Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon 'Graham' 2021

Founded in 1973 by David and Heather Watson, Woodlands was one of the first five vineyards planted in Margaret River. Now run by sons Stuart and Andrew, the ten-hectare certified-organic estate is still built around its original 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon plantings — and every vintage of the flagship Cabernet is named after a member of the Watson family, keeping the wine deeply personal, generation after generation. Each year the Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon is named after a family member or friend. The 2021 is named after Graham Watson, David's brother.

A more elegant, finer wine than the year before it. This is a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend, with around 4% Malbec and a touch of Cabernet Franc. The challenge in this cooler year was striking the right balance between oak, fruit and supporting tannin — and it's been achieved here with real ease, resulting in a wine of great polish and poise. Floral and fragrant, with a delightful perfume, it shows bright red fruit and firm structure to see it through the years ahead, carried on a very long palate. Right now it's still relatively shy and reserved — but this is a wine that's only just beginning its journey, with many years still in front of it.

Very deep crimson in colour, the nose shows an array of blue fruits, violet and tight-grain oak — classic Woodlands in character. The palate is cool, balanced and medium-bodied, with juicy blue fruit over blackcurrant and cedary oak, and nuances of lavender and dried herbs, finishing with soft, ripe tannins and fresh acidity.

Best enjoyed from 2032.