2022 Woodlands Clementine, Margaret River

Lovely harmony and Old World appeal, with grace and purity. Aromas of black currants, blood plums, olives, bay leaves and graphite. The palate is supple and mid-weighted, with firmly integrated tannins and a long, mouthwatering finish. Finely detailed and built for the cellar, yet with early-drinking appeal. A blend of 55% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and the rest cabernet franc and malbec. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

96 points Ryan Montgomery for James Suckling, October 2026

Heady notes of Madagascan vanilla, roasted fennel, cocoa nib and blackcurrant coulis have you weak at the knees from the get-go. With air, ink and campfire notes join in. The palate erupts with flavour; savoury and sweet oak spices frame the roasted dark berries and smoked meat flavours. There's ample structure, the tannins are fine yet firm, setting it up for great longevity. Give this a few years in the cellar before you open. Drink to 2038.

95 points Gabrielle Poy for The Real Review, January 2026

One of the best Clementine releases yet, from a very good vintage. A blend of cabernet, merlot and malbec, it bursts with intensity, with florals, bay leaf and a blackcurrant-olive combination on the nose. The palate shows plush, bright fruit wrapped around a firm thread of chalky tannins, finishing effortlessly long. Drink to 2036.

95 points Ray Jordan Wine Review 2027

From an excellent Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon season, the 2022 Clémentine is a 56/34/10 blend of Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec from the Woodlands Brook vineyard. Matured for 18 months in French oak barrels of which 17% were new, this is a medium-bodied red with generous floral fruit and balanced but firm tannins. You could enjoy this now after a generous time in the decanter, but is no doubt going to look its best after a few more years in the bottle.

Woodlands was established in 1973 by David and Heather Watson. It was one of the first five estates to be planted in Margaret River, today drawing fruit from the original vineyard on Caves Road 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.