Woodlands Wilyabrup Valley Cabernet Merlot 2021 is a classic Margaret River red blend from one of the region's founding estates — a wine of elegance, structure and genuine Wilyabrup character. The 2021 vintage delivered complexity through contrast: spring storms and hail reduced yields across the region, while a hot, dry finish to the season concentrated flavours and built structure in the fruit.
Tasting Notes
Appearance — Vivid crimson with excellent depth and clarity.
Aroma — Fresh blackcurrant and blackberry with violet florals, subtle French oak and a hint of dark chocolate complexity.
Palate — Medium to full bodied with soft red and blue fruit, persistent violet notes, refined tannins and a long, cool finish of elegance and balance.
Winemaking
A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 11% Malbec. Fruit was de-stemmed, hand sorted, crushed and fermented on skins for an average of 14 days before pressing. The wine was matured in French barriques for 16 months. Harvest of reds commenced 25 March and was complete by 14 April 2021.
Vineyard
Sourced from a combination of Woodlands estate vineyards and select vineyards within the Wilyabrup Valley. The original Woodlands Vineyard on Caves Road was established in 1973 — one of the first five vineyards planted in the Margaret River region. Vines are dry grown and maintained by hand using traditional methods including hand weeding, cane pruning, bunch thinning and hand picking.
Vintage 2021
Winter and spring temperatures were around average with good rainfall. A series of September storms and hail reduced crops across the region. From mid-December, hot conditions with prevailing south-easterly winds dominated, with some welcome rain in early February and March. The season produced wines of genuine complexity and structure.
Food Pairing
Roast lamb, grilled steak, beef Wellington, duck breast, mushroom dishes and aged cheddar.
