Cullen - Vanya Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (wooden gift box)

CULLEN VANYA MARGARET RIVER CABERNET SAUVIGNON: LEGITIMATE CLAIMS ON THE TITLE ‘MOST ELEGANT WINE EVER MADE IN AUSTRALIA’ by Ken Gargett Production was very small, just 1,700 bottles. And 2016 gave up even less. Unlike the Diana Madeline, the Vanya is 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon (the 2012 had three percent Petit Verdot). Vanya aims “for the purity and power of Cabernet.” She believes that the amphorae “give silky tannins and elegance, reminiscent of Barolo or a SuperTuscan.” Vanya is very keen on the sub-regional aspects of Margaret River – a discussion for another day – and so Wilyabrup (the sub-region from where many of the original pioneers hail) appears on the label. The price of $500 a bottle sets a new level for Margaret River, but in international terms it is more than reasonable.