Manjimup Merlot 2021

Tasting Notes 🍷

The 2021 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.

The Manjimup Wine Region:

A Hidden Gem of Western Australia

Manjimup, located in the heart of the South West of Western Australia, is a rising star in the Australian wine industry. Known for its cool, temperate climate and unique terroir, the region is producing wines that stand out for their elegance and complexity. But what sets Manjimup apart from other nearby regions like Pemberton? Let’s dive in to understand the distinct qualities of this remarkable wine region.

Unique Climate Conditions

The Manjimup wine region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterised by cool, wet winters and mild, dry summers. This creates the perfect environment for growing high-quality grapes, as the mild summer temperatures prevent excessive heat, allowing the vines to ripen slowly and develop balanced flavours. This long, cool growing season enhances the quality of the wines, ensuring that the grapes have time to express their full potential. The proximity to the Southern Ocean also plays a role, with ocean breezes bringing a refreshing coolness to the region, making it ideal for producing wines with freshness and finesse.

Distinctive Terroir

The soils of Manjimup are varied, with deep, well-drained loams over clay subsoils, and some areas feature gravelly soils. This diversity allows for a wide range of grape varieties to thrive. The region is particularly well-suited to cooler-climate varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, which show incredible purity and expression here. The terroir also supports red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which benefit from the cool nights and warm days. The mineral-rich soils, combined with the region’s climatic conditions, lead to wines that are fresh, vibrant, and aromatic with great structure and depth.

A Growing Wine Industry

Manjimup’s wine industry is still relatively young but rapidly growing. The region is attracting an increasing number of small, family-owned wineries, many of which produce limited quantities of high-quality, hand-crafted wines. The focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility is central to the ethos of many local producers. With a commitment to quality, the region is developing a reputation for producing wines that are elegant, well-balanced, and reflective of their unique terroir. While it’s still developing, the Manjimup wine industry is already making waves in the broader Western Australian wine scene.

Comparing Manjimup and Pemberton

Although Manjimup and Pemberton are neighbouring regions in Western Australia’s South West, they have distinct differences, particularly when it comes to soil profiles and rainfall.

Soil Profiles:
Manjimup’s soils are predominantly sandy, with low nutrient levels. This sandy composition results in well-draining soils, which can challenge the vines but also force them to work harder. This struggle leads to concentrated, complex flavours in the grapes, as the vines are not over-nourished. The relatively poor soils also contribute to the elegance and finesse of the wines, as the vines produce smaller yields but higher-quality fruit.

Pemberton, on the other hand, has richer, more fertile soils. These soils tend to be more nutrient-dense and support more vigorous vine growth. The increased fertility can result in larger yields, but it allows Pemberton’s wines to show a different profile—fresher, more aromatic wines that often emphasise the fruit character.

Rainfall and Climate:
Pemberton receives more rainfall than Manjimup, which contributes to a cooler, more temperate climate. This higher rainfall creates an environment conducive to growing a range of varieties, especially cool-climate whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. The additional moisture also means that Pemberton generally has a slightly higher humidity, which can help maintain vine health but may require more management in terms of disease control.

In contrast, Manjimup experiences a more Mediterranean climate, with milder summers and cooler, drier conditions. The region’s rainfall is less frequent, which, combined with the sandy soils, means that the vines must rely on deep-root systems to access water. This results in more consistent ripening and allows varieties like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive, producing wines with great structure, depth, and concentration.

While both regions produce high-quality wines, these subtle differences in terroir—soil composition and rainfall—lead to slightly different wine styles. Pemberton is known for its fresher, aromatic whites and lighter reds, whereas Manjimup shines with its rich, well-balanced reds and complex whites.

Wine Tourism in Manjimup

Manjimup is not only a haven for wine enthusiasts but also for food lovers. Known for its truffles, local produce, and artisanal foods, the region offers a unique wine and food tourism experience. Visitors can explore cellar doors, enjoy tastings, and experience the beautiful landscapes that surround the vineyards. The region’s boutique wineries are known for their warm hospitality and personal experiences, making it a great destination for those who want to explore the intersection of great wine and great food. In addition to the wines, visitors can enjoy local truffle-infused dishes, which are a delicacy of the area.

With its exceptional terroir, unique climate, and the growing reputation of its wine producers, Manjimup is a must-visit region for any wine enthusiast. While it shares some similarities with Pemberton, its distinct characteristics make it a standout in Western Australia’s diverse wine landscape.