2024 Deep Woods Estate Cabernet Merlot, Margaret River

Fresh and vibrant with plenty of varietal inputs, although the palate is a tad callow. Sweet fruit and spices, cedary oak and fresh herbs appeal. With more time in bottle, the wine should flesh out well.

88 points Halliday Wine Companion

The winemaking team at Deep Woods treats even their entry-level wines with care and finesse, with gentle oak integration and controlled fermentation to preserve freshness and varietal purity.

A blend of two of the region’s most successful red varietals, this wine offers great value for money, striking the balance between generosity, structure, and drinkability. Cabernet brings its signature backbone of fine tannins, and flavours of black currant and bay, while ripe Merlot offers plum, chocolate and spice to the blend. Medium-bodied and juicy, it finishes with enough grip and acidity to make it food-friendly. A couple of years in the bottle is likely to make it even enjoyable; don’t hesitate to buy a few extra ones from a well regarded vintage like this.

The fruit for the 2024 was predominately sourced from the original estate vineyard with plantings dating back to the mid-80s. Individual small batches underwent 12-16 days of skin contact during fermentation in a combination of static and open fermenters. Careful pumping over to harness the colour and fine skin and seed tannin was employed. Pressing followed directly to barrel to complete fermentation where the wine aged for 12-16 months prior to careful blending.