2021 Woodlands Emily Cabernet Franc Merlot Malbec, Margaret River

Cabernet franc and merlot are the driving force of Emily, making this a supple, approachable wine, a supple and approachable wine. The tannins are rather fine yet expand across the medium-bodied palate where a cascade of dark fruits, spice, warm earth and florals have left a mark. In a way, this is the most subtle and restrained Woodlands wine. Don’t hold back.

95 Points, Jane Faulkner, Published 06 July 2023

The somewhat cooler 2021 season allowed an extended harvest, and produced one powerful and dense Cabernet Franc. 2021 Woodlands Brook 'Emily' is a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. This wine has matured in 300L French barrels for 14 months, of which 40% were new.

The colour is an intense deep crimson. The nose shows strawberry, black cherry and chai spice. The oak is prominent at this stage but will settle in time. The palate is very powerful. The Cabernet Franc flavours of violet and blackcurrant dominate, supported by vanilla, cocoa, and sweet spices. Very fine but firm at the moment - destined for long term cellaring. Pair this wine with braised pork cheek stew, Yorkshire pudding and mushroom gravy.

David Watson has noted “Lovely gravelly blackcurrant fruit - reminiscent of the 1989 Emily. This is one of our best Emily’s."

Woodlands vineyard was established in 1973 by David & Heather Watson on Caves Road in Wilyabrup, and was one of the first five vineyards to be planted in the Margaret River Wine Region.

The first planting comprised of 1.2 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon in rows heading east-west along the contour of the property. A further 2 hectares were planted between 1974 and 1976, comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Woodlands Vineyard now has 10 hectares of vines in total.

David and Heather aimed to create wines to emulate the great vineyards of Bordeaux