2018 Woodlands Wilyabrup Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

The Watson Family continue to churn out outstanding Bordeaux blends, the latest rendition of their entry level Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, from 2018, a vintage they state “will certainly go down in history as one of Margaret River’s greatest”, delivers fantastic value. A blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot it was matured in French oak (5% new) for 14 months.

A product of the spectacular 2018 Margaret River vintage, this superb blend marries rich blackcurrant fruit with finesse and elegance.

Black as night in colour with a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Sailing out of the glass are aromatics of ripe blackcurrants, subtle liquorice and mulberry fruits which meld into notions of dusty vanillin cedar, spicy tobacco and bay leaf notes. Boasting excellent intensity, the palate is a marriage of rich blackcurrant fruit, finesse and elegance. Mulberry, dusty vanillin cedar, cigar box, black olive and spicy bay leaf elements also chime in for added complexity. Fine grained, yet tightly knit tannins provide a sturdy underbelly. Finishes long, refined and dusty.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Only 5% new oak, and in many respects, I prefer this lower oak input, more charming style from Woodlands. And the value is outstanding.
Medium-bodied, but dense in feel with savoury flavours of black olive and earth, dark chocolate, blackcurrant and blackberry, some sage and floral perfume. Tannin is tightly packed, acidity fresh and cool, and the finish is again all pencil and black olive, and pretty long with it, a slick of tannin as it goes. Lovely wine. Very adult in style, if you will. Drink 2020-2028+
94 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front