2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

winemaker's note

This is one of the best wines that Deep Woods Estate makes. It's the one that I cellar for special occasions and also drink on a Tuesday with pizza.

Julian Langworthy, Chief Winemaker

colour

Deep crimson with purple hues.

aroma

Brimming with aromas of violets, blackberry bramble and bay leaf.

palate

Full and rich with notes of dark chocolate, bramble and cassis. Soft, ripe tannin abounds the palate and provides both structure and length.

cellaring

This wine may be enjoyed on release but is capable of ageing and gaining complexity for 10 years from vintage.

vintage

The 2021 vintage was moderate, mild and a wonderful year. Rainfall in early January renewed canopies across the region and resulted in beautifully ripe, varietally pure wines that are brimming with perfect, delicate, natural acidity. 

winemaking

Fruit was crushed into separate fermenters and pump-overs and delestage were used to extract tannin and colour. After 10-14 days, the ferments were pressed before completing primary fermentation to dryness in tank. The wine was then racked into tight grain, thin stave Bordelaise French oak barriques, 20% of which were new, and matured for 18 months before blending.

region

Margaret River

varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon 83%
Merlot 11%
Malbec 6%

analysis

• Alcohol: 14.0%
• Acidity (TA): 6.10 g/L
• pH: 3.44

Slow cooked lamb shanks in a rich Italian tomato sauce, served on a creamy mash.

Margaret River Wine Show 2023

Royal Hobart Wine Show 2023

Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion 2024

This reveals itself gently as it’s not a showy wine but it is elegant and lovely. Delicate aromas, a core of sweet fruit tempered by savoury inputs of woodsy spices, menthol and powdery yet super fine tannins with bright acidity driving the long finish.

95

Ray Jordan Wine Guide 2024

A blend dominated by bright red fruits. It's medium bodied in line with this cooler vintage but there is good fruit intensity. It's balanced with fine chalky tannins and a light layer of oak. As it breathes more of the delicious chewy flavours emerge.

90