Woodgate Merlot 2023

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Woodgate Wines Merlot pours a deep ruby red in the glass, setting the stage for its inviting aroma of ripe blackberries, dark plums, and sweet cherries. On the palate, this wine is full of rich, dark fruit character, balanced with subtle notes of vanilla and soft spice from its 15 months of oak maturation. The mouthfeel is smooth and velvety, with a lingering finish that keeps you coming back for more.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

• Hearty Steak with Mushrooms: A classic winter pairing, where the richness of the Merlot complements the creamy mushrooms and juicy steak.
• Barbecued Meats: Its juicy profile also makes it an ideal partner for grilled meats, like barbecued ribs or sausages.
• Charcuterie Board: Perfect with a selection of cured meats and cheeses, where the Merlot’s smooth texture balances the richness of the board’s flavours.
• Mushroom Risotto: The wine’s earthy, fruity notes pair beautifully with a creamy mushroom risotto, making it a match made in heaven.

Best Serving Temp:

For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16°C. This slightly cooler temperature allows the wine to showcase its vibrant fruit flavours while maintaining its smooth, velvety texture.

Additional Information:

• Grape Variety: 100% Merlot
• Region: Manjimup, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 14.5% by Vol
• Oak Ageing: 15 months in new oak barrels
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Vintage: 2021
• Volume: 750ml

Decanting Suggestions:

Though the 2021 Woodgate Wines Merlot is approachable and smooth, decanting it for 60 minutes will help open up its full range of aromas and flavours, softening any youthful tannins and allowing the spice notes from the oak to emerge.

Technical Terms Explained:

• Merlot: A red grape known for its smooth, soft texture and rich, fruit-forward flavours. In this wine, Merlot provides lush dark berry notes and a velvety finish that makes it easy to enjoy.
• Oak Ageing: This process involves storing the wine in oak barrels to enhance its flavour and texture. New oak barrels give the wine complex spice and vanilla notes, adding richness and depth.
• Tannins: Natural compounds in wine that come from grape skins, seeds, and stems, as well as from oak barrels. Tannins add structure and dryness to the wine, and in this Merlot, they are soft, contributing to the wine’s smooth mouthfeel.

• Decanting: This is the process of pouring wine into a decanter to allow it to breathe. Decanting helps to open up a wine’s aromas and flavours and can soften tannins, making it more approachable.

Learn About Woodgate Wines

Located in Manjimup Woodgate Winery has some of the finest wines of the region.

Partners in Wine WA stocks all of the Woodgate range as their dedicated online store. We offer free Perth delivery over $75 and ship around Australia.

Woodgate Wines, established in 2006, is a family-owned and operated winery. We pride ourselves on sourcing the finest fruit for our wines, which includes grapes from our 3-hectare estate vineyard as well as selected parcels from local growers. This ensures that our wine portfolio maintains its dynamic nature, constantly evolving with the introduction of new and exciting styles. As a result, our wines always remain fresh, vibrant, and uniquely individualistic, reflecting our commitment to innovation and quality. This is evident in the Bojangles Pet Nat coming in the top 25 wines at the WA Good Food Guide Awards.

In 2024 Woodgate’s Vineyard and cellar door was sold, but Mark continues to produce new Woodgate wines for the years to come. So, while a visit to their cellar door isn’t possible anymore, their wonderful wine selections will still be available through us here at Partners in Wine WA.