2023 Woodlands Emily Cabernet Franc Merlot, Margaret River

An equal split of cabernet franc and merlot, both 46%, with malbec 7% and cabernet sauvignon 1%. Almost a light, elegant expression with a core of dark fruit, spice and cedary oak; florals entice on the nose, too. Very savoury with firm tannins; time needed for them to relax. And it’s a bit one-dimensional in this gangly youthful stage, so come back in a year or so. Drink to 2036.

93 points Jane Faulkner for Halliday Wine Companion, July 2025

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.

Emily has been a Woodlands red blend since 1989. Modelled after the Right Bank wines of Bordeaux, it highlights the harmony between Cabernet Franc and Merlot with vibrant aromatics and a supple texture. Vintage pending, smaller quantities of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon have made guest appearances over the years.

2023 started with a cool spring in Margaret River followed by slow, steady and dry growing season that produced excellent overall quality. The 2023 Emily is still a young wine that will benefit from a further year or two in the bottle to reveal more of its character. It has floral red fruit aromas of red currants, pomegranate and raspberry with spicy notes of pink peppercorns, cloves and fennel. The savoury medium-bodied palate is yet to fill out but has a notable core of red and black fruit, cedary spice and firm tannins.

Emily’s track record holds a promise of good things to come. Open with generous time in decanter if patience is not your virtue and reach for protein and savoury depth: wild mushroom ragù over creamy, butter-rich polenta or pan-roasted duck breast with a pomegranate reduction.