Woodlands Cabernet Franc Merlot 'Emily' 2022

One of the most distinctive wines in the Woodlands Wines portfolio, Emily is a rare Margaret River interpretation of a classic Right Bank Bordeaux blend. First produced in 1989 by founders David Watson and his friend Peter Anderson, the wine was inspired by the great wines of Saint-Émilion and created from the estate's remaining parcels of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.

When Woodlands Brook Vineyard was acquired in 2007, its vineyard composition proved ideal for the future of Emily. The site featured plantings of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot on a gentle north-facing slope of sandy loam soils, allowing Emily to evolve into both a tribute to the Right Bank of Bordeaux and a reflection of the unique Woodlands Brook terroir.

Produced in extremely limited quantities of approximately 300 cases annually, Emily is one of the estate's most sought-after wines. The fruit is carefully handled using Woodlands' gravity-fed winery system, with bunches destemmed and meticulously sorted before fermentation. Following fermentation, the wine is matured for 14 months in French oak barrels, with 40% new oak, building complexity while maintaining elegance and purity.

The blend comprises:

45% Cabernet Franc
45% Merlot
8% Malbec
1% Cabernet Sauvignon
1% Petit Verdot

Aromatically expressive and beautifully layered, Emily displays ripe dark berries, plum and black cherry alongside floral violet notes, subtle cedar, spice and earthy complexity. The palate is rich and seamless, balancing Merlot's generosity with Cabernet Franc's aromatic lift and structure. Fine-grained tannins and integrated oak carry the wine through to a long, elegant finish.

Tasting Notes

Black cherry, plum and blackberry
Violet and floral perfume
Cedar, spice and savoury complexity
Silky texture and fine tannins
Long, refined finish

Food Pairing Perfect with roast lamb, duck, beef tenderloin, wild mushrooms, game meats and mature cheeses.

Wine Details

Producer: Woodlands Wines
Wine: Emily
Region: Wilyabrup, Margaret River, Western Australia
Blend: 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot
Maturation: 14 months in French oak (40% new)
Production: Approximately 300 cases annually
Style: Right Bank Bordeaux-inspired Blend