2014 Woodlands Matthew Cabernet Sauvignon

A Superb Cabernet Sauvignon from Woodlands that showcases the generosity of the outstanding 2014 Margaret River vintage.

A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc with maturation taking place in new French medium toast barrels for 19 months. Excellent colour displaying a totally opaque black dark red core with a deep bright dark red hue tinged with black. Possessing both refinement and potency sniffing reveals aromatics of red and black currant fruits interwoven with mulberry over vanillin cedar, faint cigar box, hints of black olive, bay leaf and other spicy dried herb notes. Ratching up the level of richness and concentration by a notch or two on the past few vintages the palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of ripe red and black currant fruit as well as mulberries which are overlaid by vanillin cedar. Underscoring the fruit are nuances of tobacco, faint bay leaf and spicy dried herbs. The wood is prominent but there’s more than enough richness and power to the fruit to carry it, ensuring that it will largely be absorbed over time. Refined, elegant mouthfeel. Outstanding length with a structured set of tannins beautifully interwoven with all of the component parts. Very long finish of red and black currant, mulberry, spicy vanillin cedar, subtle infusions of tobacco, bay leaf and dried herbs.
Cellar 10-12 years.
Alc 13.5%

Other Reviews….
Tasted as a barrel sample that is due to come out of oak in two to three weeks' time from tasting, the 2014 Matthew Cabernet Sauvignon shows deep garnet-purple in color. On the palate, it is rich, ripe and very intense, with firm ripe tannins and great length. This wine has great potential!
95-97 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Saturated ruby. A highly perfumed, penetrating bouquet evokes smoke-accented cherry, cassis, cured tobacco, potpourri and incense, and a vibrant, spicy topnote builds in the glass. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering sharply defined red and dark fruit, floral pastille, chewing tobacco and spicecake flavors that deepen with aeration. Seamless, focused and surprisingly delicate for its power, finishing very long and spicy, with resonating florality and polished tannins lending gentle closing grip. Drink 2023 - 2034.
96 Points
Josh Raynolds - Antonio Galloni's Vinous (June 2021)

Woodlands was established in 1973 by David & Heather Watson, as one of the first five vineyards to be planted in the Margaret River wine region. Woodlands now specialises in red wine, and remains owned and operated by the Watson family. Matthew Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the original plantings in gravel-rich sandy loam and clay, where the grapes ripen slowly. Sarah Ahmed: Bloody, ironstone, tertiary nose and palate, fine tannins well done. Ripe and lingering with cassis and slate. Justin Knock MW: Deep-fruited, a little oxidation, a mature, complex style with evolved red leather and creamy fruit, maritime notes, herbs, spice, fine, silky tannins. Julia Sewell: Still remarkably youthful, lively and fresh. Blackcurrant, a touch of violet leaf. Aged in a very pleasant way, with hints of gaminess and a touch of leather. Drink 2021 - 2028.
95 Points
Decanter.com (November 2021)