Deep Woods Estate Cab Merlot 2024

Tasting Notes

The 2024 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

Vintage

2024 was one of the earliest vintages ever seen in Margaret River. Consistently warm and dry conditions allowed for exceptional fruit ripeness and flavours with a very well-balanced natural acidity for such a warm season.

Extensive marri blossom resulted in minimal pest pressure throughout the vineyard.

The quality of fruit is fantastic and 2024 has produced some very exciting wines with flavour definition and structure.

Winemaking

The fruit for this wine 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.

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 2023 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: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 6 % Cabernet Franc
• 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

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.