Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon 'Eleanor' 2020

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.

Fittingly, in the same year Woodlands marked 50 years since David and Heather Watson established the vineyard in 1973, this wine was awarded Wine of the Year — a fabulous expression of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon with more than a little Bordeaux influence running through it.

Winemaker Stuart Watson has turned out one outstanding Cabernet after another over the years, and this one stands with the very best of them — time may well judge it the finest yet. It comes from the oldest vines on the property, and it's a true reflection of both the season and the style Woodlands has spent decades refining: a super-concentrated, powerful core of fruit held in check by fine, firm tannins, tight-grain oak and a vibrant natural acidity. Blackcurrant, graphite and oyster shell lead the way, with a lovely lift of bay leaf on the nose.

Each year the Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon is named after a family member or friend — the 2021 honours Graham Watson, David's brother. Very deep crimson in colour, with an array of blue fruits, violet and tight-grain oak on the nose — classic Woodlands in character. The palate is cool, balanced and medium-bodied, juicy blue fruit layered over blackcurrant and cedary oak, with nuances of lavender and dried herbs, finishing with soft, ripe tannins and fresh acidity. Best enjoyed from 2032.