Find as much of this wine as you can. It's stunning value for money from this outstanding vintage. Thick and stylish at the same time with intense and concentrated tightly structured fruit weight. 92 points Ray Jordan The West Australian 16th August 2008
2007 was the earliest vintage recorded at Woodlands. December and January were very warm, and then temperatures moderated from February onwards to create optimum ripening conditions.
We found that tannin ripeness in most plots was reached at an early 12.5 baume, allowing us to pick all fruit from that point on to achieve optimum maturity.
The fruit parcels of our 2007 Cabernet Merlot were picked between 12.5 and 13.5 baume from 7 to 13 March - 2 weeks earlier than normal. All batches were crushed and fermented separately. Most batches were fermented in closed fermenters, which we use when we want to enhance the intensity and power of our fruit. Small fruit batches were fermented in open fermenters which we feel enhance the aromatic characters of a batch.
Ferments proceeded quickly, typically lasting 7 days. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred into French oak barrels aged between one and three years old, where it remained for 12 months.
Our 2007 Cabernet Merlot is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 8% Malbec. The wine has a perfumed nose of mulberry, mint, violets, and black olive enhanced by subtle toasty oak. The middle palate is rich and powerful, with silky tannins leading to a vibrant and well balanced finish.
This wine has been bottled with Stelvin closures. Peak drinking from 2009 to 2018.
Woodlands is a ten hectare vineyard located in the Wilyabrup region of Margaret River. Established in 1973 by David and Heather Watson, Woodlands remains family owned and operated. Wines produced at Woodlands include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Merlot, Malbec, Merlot, Cab Franc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
