2023 Deep Woods Estate Cabernet Merlot, Margaret River

Offers excellent value, from the price to the wine’s quality. A neat mix of cassis, mulberries and plums, all spiced up and on show with hints of licorice, nori and menthol. Fuller-bodied, ripe, fleshy tannins and a vivacity to the acidity. Terrific drink for any occasion.

92 points Special Value Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Deep Woods Estate Cabernet Merlot from Margaret River is one of those rare wines that overdelivers in every possible way. A blend of two of the region’s most successful varietals, this wine offers incredible value for money, striking the perfect balance between generosity, structure, and drinkability. It’s the kind of red you can crack open mid-week with pizza, pasta, grilled meats or just a quiet night in.

Cabernet brings its signature backbone of cassis, bay leaf and fine tannin, while Merlot softens the edges with lush plum, chocolate and spice. The fruit is sourced from selected sites across Margaret River, benefiting from gravelly soils and cooling coastal influences. The winemaking team, led by Julian Langworthy, treats even their entry-level wines with care and finesse, using gentle oak integration and controlled fermentation to preserve freshness and varietal purity.

The palate is medium-bodied, juicy and approachable with mulberry, blackcurrant, cocoa and a touch of cedar. It finishes with enough grip and acidity to make it food-friendly, yet smooth enough to enjoy without a meal.

This is a go-to wine that suits everything from Tuesday tacos to Sunday roasts. It also punches well above its price tag and has become a firm favourite with value-seeking red drinkers.