2011 Woodlands Alex Cabernet Sauvignon

A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc with maturation taking place in new French oak for 21 months. The 2011 vintage saw warmer vintage conditions experienced which suited the Cabernet Sauvignon planted on Woodlands south facing slopes. These vines receive the greatest number of sunlight hours with the east-west orientation ensuring a slow fruit maturation. Superb inky black core with a dark purple red hue. The nose delivers expressive aromatics of ripe blackcurrant and mulberry intermixed with cedar and tobacco followed by a hint of bay leaf and spice. Full of finesse and class the palate features rich blackcurrant and mulberry flavours with a vanillin cedary overlay and some following tobacco, light earth and spice nuances. Solid structured mouthfeel with sturdy but very fine grained tannins. Terrific carry through with a long blackcurrant, mulberry, vanillin cedar, tobacco and spice aftertaste.

Other Reviews….
A 94/4/2% estate-grown blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec and cabernet franc that spent 21 months in new French oak. Excellent colour; Margaret River blends don't come better than this, a wine that is strongly reminiscent of vintages 5 or more years ago that outscored First Growth Bordeauxs in blind tastings. In the manner of those Bordeaux wines, this will live for decades with its array of black fruits and firm tannins, and cries out for patience. Drink by 2041.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion