2019 Woodlands Wilyabrup Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Margaret River

2019 Wilyabrup Valley blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc.

The fruit was hand sorted berry-by-berry, crushed and then transferred to tank. 30% of this wine fermented without yeast, which enhances the aroma and overall balance. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to French barrels where it spent 14 months. 15% of the oak barrels were new.

Intense crimson in colour, the nose is flush with rose petals, crunchy red cherries, mulberry and toasty oak notes. The palate is silky smooth, with supple tannins aligning the red fruits, blackberry and liquorice. Absolutely charming, its approachability should not fool you - this wine will definitely benefit from extended cellaring!

Match this wine with beef bourguignon or beef sausages and mash. For vegetarian option try butternut squash ravioli in marsala cream sauce.

64/27/4/3/2% cabernet sauvignon/merlot/petit verdot/malbec/cabernet franc. Matured in French oak for 14 months (15% new). New leather, tobacco leaf, bramble and spice. In the mouth the tannins are omnipresent, savoury and plush, in a rustic, old-world way. This is complex and satisfying; there is memorable charm. Quite different from other cabernet blends in the region. The tannins stick around longer than the fruit, but it's a good feeling.

92 pts, Erin Larkin for winecompanion.com.au, Published 03 August 2022