2021 Deep Woods Estate Single Vineyard Cabernet Malbec, Margaret River

At once powerful yet contained with the varieties (percentage split unknown) beautifully matched. While the classy cabernet aromas and flavours come through, they are rendered more savoury by the malbec and oak. The fuller-bodied palate is alive and vibrant, flavours build and the tannins have presence, all textural and ripe. The finish lingers long as will this wine as in at least two decades.

96 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Deep Woods Estate Single Vineyard Cabernet Malbec from Margaret River is a richly expressive, small-batch wine that fuses the classic structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the plush vibrancy of Malbec. Hailing from a single vineyard site in the Yallingup Hills, this wine benefits from the region’s cooling maritime breezes, gravelly loam soils, and long growing season, delivering exceptional varietal definition and a core of ripe fruit supported by fine-grained tannins.

Deep Woods Estate, under the stewardship of Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy, has become a powerhouse of premium Margaret River reds. Julian’s deft touch with Cabernet is well-known, and here, he adds Malbec for depth, colour, and a burst of blue-fruited charm. Fermentation takes place in open-top vessels with gentle plunging to extract tannin and flavour before the wine is matured in a mix of French oak hogsheads, with a portion being new.

The result is a wine layered with dark plum, cassis, black cherry, and blueberry, complemented by subtle oak spice, crushed violets, and earthy cigar box complexity. The palate is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, structured tannins and vibrant acidity driving a long, savoury finish. It has the elegance Margaret River is famed for, with a bit of swagger from the Malbec.

A brilliant match for chargrilled ribeye, roast lamb with rosemary, or truffle-infused mushroom ragù. This wine will age gracefully for a decade or more.