2021 Woodlands Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River

All the regional aromas and flavours at play, from violets, wakame, cassis and chocolate to mulberries, with a distinct ironstone character too. The fuller-bodied palate comes strewn with tannins, the texture of cocoa powder, and somewhat drying on the finish. Just needs a bit more time in bottle. Drink to 2034.

93 points Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion, April 2024

Woodlands was established in 1973 by David and Heather Watson. It was one of the first five vineyards to be planted in Margaret River, today drawing fruit from the original Caves Road vineyard as well as the nearby Woodlands Brook vineyard, both in the northern Wilyabrup sub-region and the latter somewhat further away from the coast. The vineyards cover 28 hectares and are dry-grown and hand-tended. The original Woodland vineyard is today certified organic, while Woodlands Brook is organic-in-conversion, with viticultural practices at both sites also including nods to biodynamic principles. Woodlands remains a family-owned producer, with brothers Andrew and Stuart Watson continuing their parents’ work.

The Wilyabrup Valley tier of wines blend fruit from two estate vineyards and drink well on release. The 2021 season was wet and unusually challenging for Margaret River and required vigilant vineyard management and picking decisions. The drier conditions towards the end of the season saw Cabernet Sauvignon grapes maturing to full ripeness, the wines often featuring lifted aromas, a vibrant character and fine tannins. The fruit for this wine was hand-sorted at the winery and rested 14 months in primarily well-seasoned French oak barrels. The final blend is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 11% Malbec.

Announces itself as a Cabernet-wine with lifted aromas of blackcurrant and violets and a subtle note of dried bay leaves. Medium- to full-bodied, with generous black fruit flavour and light touches of cacao and dried herbs. Tannins are noticeable but add a refreshing quality to the rich fruit.

Margaret River’s Cabernet-wines are structured and fresh enough to handle smoky BBQ flavours. Try with charcoal-grilled eggplant stuffed with spiced chickpeas and pine nuts or lamb chops with rosemary and garlic.