2023 Cullen Wines 'Vanya' Flower Day

99 Points, Andrew Caillard MW & Ken Gargett, The Vintage Journal
Put simply, this has to be one of the finest Cabernets ever made in this country. Granted, one could argue that at this price, so it should be. Coming from the heart of the magic Margaret River region, from perhaps the best vintage they have ever enjoyed, and from one of the best producers, not only for the region but for the country, its pedigree gave it every chance.

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked on a flower day and then naturally fermented on skins in 300-litre terracotta amphorae for almost a month, before transferring to barrels for a further six months’ maturation, with 50% of the barrels new. 526 bottles made. The first Vanya was made in 2012. Dark maroon. The nose has notes of spices, chocolate, mocha, coffee beans, cassis, smoked meats and liqueur cherries. There is focus, energy, and great length through to near invisible silky tannins.

The finish lingers gently, as does the memory of the wine. It is so plush and generous and so superbly balanced that it is utterly compelling. It will see twenty to thirty years in the cellar as a doddle. As for the score, one feels rather lousy in not going that extra step, but no doubt Vanya will find a way to exceed even this brilliant wine. Drink 2032–2055.

99 Points, James Suckling, jamessusckling.com
Truly magical. Decadent yet restrained with deeply complex black-fruit aromas, a floral lift and a real sense of earth. Roses, violets, dark cherries and crushed blackberries with undertones of cedar and minerals. The seamless palate is polished and round, substantial yet aloof, with perfectly integrated tannins and a fresh finish. It’s hard to even begin describing this wine—it is so complete, bright and refined. Drink or hold. Just 526 bottles. Screw cap.

99 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
#1 of 35 2023 Cabernet Sauvignons from Margaret River
Colossal depth of saturated purple colour; fresh and youthful aromas of violets, blackberry and mulberry, and also shows the vanilla and chocolate of the 2023 Diana Madeline, with which it has much in common (only more!). An epic wine, with astounding concentration and persistence. This is a great cabernet that looks set for 50 years. Cellar!