Woody Nook Cabernet Merlot 2020

Wine Companion Review

A big, fleshy and ripe style with blackberries, mulberries and currants spiced up to the max. There’s a plushness across the full-bodied palate, a certain freshness from the acidity which helps with the drying tannins and alcohol warmth on the finish. Still, there’s plenty to like in the first instance.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the Woody Nook Cab Merlot 2020 presents a deep, vibrant red hue, hinting at the wine’s complexity and intensity. On the nose, it offers a rich bouquet of blackcurrant and capsicum, interwoven with a subtle touch of cedary oak that adds an inviting complexity.

On the palate, this wine delivers a harmonious blend of bright red fruits, with prominent cassis and blueberry flavours. The Merlot adds a touch of smoothness, while the Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure and a firm, slightly grainy tannin backbone. The oak influence is refined, adding layers of complexity without overshadowing the fruit character. The acidity is well-balanced, providing excellent length and ensuring the wine’s ability to age gracefully. The finish is clean, with a subtle yet persistent fruitiness that lingers on the palate.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Grilled Meats: Perfectly pairs with grilled steaks, lamb chops, or a juicy rib-eye, where the wine’s tannins and acidity complement the richness of the meat.
• Hearty Pasta Dishes: Pairs beautifully with tomato-based pasta dishes, such as a rich Bolognese or lasagna.
• Roast Vegetables: Enjoy with roasted root vegetables or a grilled vegetable medley for a lighter pairing.
• Cheese: Ideal with aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a rich blue cheese for an indulgent experience.

Best Serving Temp

Serve the Woody Nook Cab Merlot at 16°C to 18°C for the best expression of its fruit, tannins, and oak. This temperature range allows the wine’s aromas and flavours to fully develop, creating a well-rounded and balanced drinking experience.

• If storing at room temperature (22°C): Place the bottle in the fridge for 30-45 minutes before serving to bring it to the correct temperature.

Additional Information

• Grape Variety: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
• Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Alcohol: 14% by Vol | 8.3 Standard Drinks
• Cellaring Potential: 8 to 10 years, though it’s drinking beautifully now.
• Closure: Screw cap

Technical Terms Explained

• Cassis: A term for the aromatic, tangy flavour of blackcurrant, commonly associated with Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Merlot Influence: The smooth, plummy texture and softer tannins provided by the Merlot grape.
• Cedary Oak: The subtle aroma and flavour derived from oak barrels, particularly those from the Allier region of France, which adds a refined, woody character.
• Tannins: Natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems that contribute to the structure and mouthfeel of the wine, as well as its aging potential.

Winemaker’s Notes

Woody Nook Wines Cabernet Merlot 2020 was made from three separately fermented parcels of estate grown fruit; 3.41 tonne of Joliffe Block Cabernet Sauvignon machine harvested on the 18^th March, 2020 at 13.7° baumé, 0.81 tonne of Joliffe Block Merlot machine harvested on the 18^th March, 2020 at 12.8° baumé and 0.46 tonne of Cabernet Franc hand-picked on the 5^th March, 2020 at 14.0° baumé. The Cabernet was inoculated with RX60 yeast and fermented on skins for seven days with twice daily pump overs before pressing to tank to complete malo-lactic fermentation (MLF) then maturation in 10 barriques (20% new Kadar Hungarian oak), the balance second-use French & Hungarian oak. The Merlot was inoculated with ES488 yeast and fermented on skins for seven days in an open fermenter with twice daily pump overs before pressing to barrel for MLF. After racking and careful blending, the wine was matured for nineteen months before cross-flow filtration and bottling (unfined) in December 2021.

Why Buy Woody Nook Cabernet Merlot from Partners in Wine WA?

Looking for the best place to buy Woody Nook Cabernet Merlot in Perth? Partners in Wine WA specialises in boutique Western Australian wine, making us a natural choice for customers wanting to enjoy quality Woody Nook wines with the service of a Perth-based specialist. We focus on local producers, offer knowledgeable support, and make it easy to order premium WA wine from a trusted independent retailer rather than a generic national liquor store.

Because we work exclusively with Western Australian wineries, we offer a more curated and informed shopping experience. You are buying from people who understand WA wine, value producer quality, and are passionate about helping customers choose the right bottle. With local service, Perth delivery options, and Australia-wide shipping available, Partners in Wine WA is a trusted place to buy Woody Nook wines online.