2014 Woodlands Matthew Cabernet Sauvignon

Woodlands Vineyard 'Matthew' Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 reflects a warm, steady vintage that delivered both ripeness and balance. Sourced from the estate’s original plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, with small portions of Malbec and Cabernet Franc, the fruit comes from a south-facing slope of sandy loam over gravel and clay. These prized plots, benefiting from long sunlight hours yet slow, even ripening, consistently produce fruit of depth and precision.

The fruit was carefully sorted, destemmed and fermented in small closed vessels, with extended time on skins to build structure before malolactic fermentation. The wine was then matured for 19 months in new French oak, integrating richness with the classic framework of Cabernet. The final blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc delivers both power and refinement.

Deep crimson in the glass, the nose is expressive and layered, showing blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry, supported by finely grained oak. The palate is dense yet composed, with a supple texture wrapped around a concentrated core of dark fruit. As it opens, notes of vanilla, mint and bay leaf emerge, adding complexity and lift. With air, the tannins soften and the wine reveals further nuance, though it retains a youthful structure and impressive depth.

A classic Margaret River Cabernet of poise and longevity, drinking well with decanting now but built to evolve gracefully over time.