Tasting Notes:

The 2021 Deep Woods Cab Merlot presents a deep crimson colour with purple hues, drawing the eye with its richness. The aroma is brimming with floral notes of violets, complemented by blackberry bramble and subtle bay leaf, offering a fragrant and inviting bouquet.

On the palate, the wine reveals layers of red fruits, bitter chocolate, and delicate violet nuances. The structure is supported by juicy, fine-grained tannins that lead to a long and flavoursome finish, with a touch of oak providing additional complexity. The wine’s bright acidity drives the lingering finish, ensuring that it remains fresh and balanced.

Vineyard and Winemaking Process

Sourced from Margaret River: The fruit for this wine is sourced from the renowned vineyards of the Margaret River region, which are known for producing wines with excellent fruit expression and balanced acidity.

Vintage Overview:
The 2021 vintage benefited from a mild spring, which led to a slightly later season but resulted in ideal growing conditions. A moderate summer and consistently warm days with cool evenings allowed for optimal fruit ripening, ensuring great retention of acidity and vibrant flavours.

Winemaking Details:
The fruit was crushed into separate fermenters, with pump-overs and delestage techniques used to extract tannin and colour. After 10–14 days of fermentation, the wine was pressed and transferred to a selection of new and used tight-grain French oak barriques, where it was left to mature for 18 months before blending. The result is a wine with fine tannins and a delicate oak influence, perfectly balanced with the fruit.

Wine & Food Pairing

• Main Courses: Slow-cooked lamb shanks in a rich Italian tomato sauce, served on a creamy mash. The wine’s tannins and acidity complement the richness of the dish, enhancing its flavours.
• Cheese Pairings: Aged cheddar, gouda, or a rich blue cheese.
• Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables, particularly those with a touch of sweetness like roasted carrots or parsnips, will pair beautifully with the wine’s red fruit and savoury complexity.
  Seasonal Pairing: Perfect for winter and autumn meals, this wine is well-suited for hearty, comforting dishes.

Serving Temperature Tips

For the best experience, serve the 2021 Deep Woods Cab Merlot at 16–18°C. This temperature allows the wine’s complex aromas and flavours to develop fully, and the fine tannins to integrate with the food.

Additional Info:

• Grape Varietals: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 6% Malbec
• Origin: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Style: Elegant, medium-bodied red with vibrant fruit and savoury complexity
• Ideal For: Pairing with hearty meals or enjoying on its own
• Cellaring Potential: Up to 10 years, with greater complexity over time
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 14.5%
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Awards & Recognition

• Ray Jordan Review (2024) – 95 points
• Jane Faulkner Review (2024) – Elegant, with bright acidity and fine tannins.

Technical Terms Explained:

• Tannins: Natural compounds found in grape skins that provide structure and a drying sensation in the mouth. Fine-grained tannins, like those in this wine, offer a smooth, integrated mouthfeel.
• Delestage: A winemaking technique involving the separation of fermented grape skins from the juice, which helps extract colour and tannins and improves the texture of the wine.
• Barriques: Small oak barrels (225 litres), which contribute flavour and texture to the wine, giving it a subtle oak influence. Tight-grain oak barrels impart a finer, more delicate oak character.
• Malbec: A grape variety known for its deep colour and bold flavours. In this blend, Malbec adds to the complexity and depth of the wine, balancing the Cabernet and Merlot.

Learn More About Deep Woods Estate