Woodlands Margaret Cabernet 2020

Accolades

Ray Jordan – 97 Points
“This is a personal favourite. It’s a 68% cabernet, 22% malbec and 10% merlot blend. Such a good vintage captured perfectly to reveal all the power and concentration with a deft hand creating an elegant and finely tuned finish. Super intense cabernet fruit dominates with that graphite and slightly oyster shell minerality helping to focus and present through its long finish. The oak has been beautifully handled”

Wine Companion – 96 Points
“78/13/9% cabernet sauvignon/malbec/merlot. A lovely Margaret with its heady aromas of violets, cedary oak, mulberries, nori and Dutch licorice. It feels cool across the fuller-weighted palate, lots of tannins yet shapely and fine bolstered by oak tannins, too. A pop of fruit sweetness comes up and the acidity pulls it all together through to a long finish. A complete wine now but will last some distance”

Woodlands Margaret Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep crimson with ruby hues.

Aromatics: Perfumed and lifted, with violet florals, cassis, red berries, dried herbs, and a subtle licorice spice.

Palate: Concentrated blackcurrant and mulberry fruit meet graphite, cocoa, and savoury oak. Hints of sumac and leather unfold over time. The tannins are silky yet persistent, bringing both elegance and longevity.

Finish: Exceptionally long, with bright acidity and mineral drive carrying the flavours.

Sustainability & Natural Practices

Woodlands uses organic farming principles, low-intervention winemaking and a hands-off approach in the winery to ensure the wines reflect the true character of their vineyards in Wilyabrup. The vineyard is hand-pruned and hand-picked, with minimal additives used during production.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Serving Temperature: Serve at 16–18°C to allow the full spectrum of flavours and texture to emerge. If being stored at room temperature, place in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
• Storage: Best cellared in a dark, cool place with stable humidity.
• Decanting: Decant for 1–2 hours before serving to allow the wine to open up.
• Aging Potential: Drink from 2032–2038 or beyond for peak complexity.

FAQ Wine Terms 🤔

Q: What does it mean when a wine has “structure”?
A: Structure refers to the wine’s framework, often built from tannins, acidity, and alcohol. In this wine, ripe tannins provide grip and definition that will soften with age.

Q: What are ‘mineral’ tannins?
A: Mineral tannins describe a fine, chalky texture often associated with well-drained gravel soils like those in Wilyabrup. They contribute elegance and length to the wine.

Q: Why does this wine benefit from aging?
A: Over time, the tannins soften, fruit flavours evolve into more savoury notes, and the wine develops greater depth and integration – making it smoother and more complex.

Q: What’s the role of blending grapes like Merlot and Malbec?
A: Merlot softens the structure and adds plushness, while Malbec contributes spice, colour, and richness. Together, they support and round out the Cabernet.

Food Pairing

• Lamb Leg – Rich, savoury meats elevate the wine’s dark fruit and spice.
• Pappardelle with Mushroom Ragù – Earthy mushrooms and pasta bring out the wine’s umami depth.
• Beef Wellington – A classic, luxurious pairing for a wine of structure and class.

Technical Details

Region: Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Western Australia
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screw Cap
Aging Potential: Best from 2032 to 2038+
Farming: Organic practices, hand-harvested
Winemaking: Minimal intervention, aged in French oak