Woodlands ‘Margaret’ Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2018
Woodlands ‘Margaret’ Cabernet Merlot Malbec 2018
Woodlands 'Margaret' is sourced entirely from the Woodlands Vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon portion comes from a slope on the south of Woodlands and wraps around a 90-degree radius from east to north. The fruit on this slope receives a great deal of direct sunlight from morning to mid-afternoon, leading to rich full-bodied wines.
The Merlot and Malbec plots that make up the remainder of 'Margaret' come from Woodlands' west-facing slope of deep loam soil. This slope receives the most direct afternoon sunlight at Woodlands, and produces more spicy exotic fruit characters in the finished wine.
Vintage 2018 was absolutely ideal and was one of Margaret River's best vintages. AFter a good amount of rainfall at the beginning of the growing season, flowering conditions were near-perfect. Great weather continued from mid-December through till the end of harvest. Just like the vintage itself, 2018 'Margaret' is rich and warming.
2018 'Margaret' is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 10% Malbec.
The colour is deep garnet with a crimson hue. The aromas evoke Christmas-perfumed blackberry, boysenberry and brambly notes. Very inviting and satisfying, and almost relaxed.
The palate opens up with intertwined berry crumble, forest floor, cassis and blackberries, married with grilled chestnuts and toasted breadcrumbs. The structure is powerful, with a ripe core of tannins and a long, velvety finish.