COMMENTS
Woodlands Cabernet Merlot is beginning to develop a rich history. Our first, the 2001, was awarded 5 stars in Winestate Magazine. Our 2002 received 4 silver medals across Australia. Our 2003 won the top gold medal in its class at the Perth Royal show. Our past results encourage us to strive to further invest in our younger vines. The 2004 saw some of the best Cabernet fruit to come out of Margaret River.
2006 was a very cool year in Western Australia. Most varieties were picked 4 weeks later than their long term average and crops were down significantly. Due to extensive leaf plucking and bunch thinning, all Woodlands fruit had excellent exposure to sunlight. Due to the ongoing cool conditions, fruit stayed on the vine for record lengths enabling full ripeness and great complexity.
The 2006 Cabernet Merlot is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 3% Malbec. The key words to describe this wine are opulent and refined. The nose shows blackcurrent, mulberry, classic Margaret River mint, hints of violet and toasty French oak. The palate follows with a vibrant lift of concentrated red berry fruit and supple tannins. The oak is almost lost in the opulence of the fruit – but don’t let that fool you – this is a wine of the utmost quality.
