Woodlands Cabernet Sauvignon 'Matthew' 2014 (3L Wooden Box)

Founders David Watson and wife Heather had spectacular success with the cabernets he made in ’79 and the early ’80s. Commuting from Perth while raising a family became too much and for some years the grapes from Woodlands were sold to other Margaret River producers. With the advent of sons Stuart and Andrew in ’02–05 (Stuart primarily responsible for winemaking), the estate bounced back to pre-eminence, expanding with the purchase of the 17ha Woodlands Brook Vineyard in ’07. The top-end wines primarily come from the original Woodlands Vineyard, where the now-certified organic vines are 50+yr.  

Tasted as a barrel sample that is due to come out of oak in two to three weeks' time from tasting, the 2014 Matthew Cabernet Sauvignon shows deep garnet-purple in color. On the palate, it is rich, ripe and very intense, with firm ripe tannins and great length. This wine has great potential!
95-97 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Saturated ruby. A highly perfumed, penetrating bouquet evokes smoke-accented cherry, cassis, cured tobacco, potpourri and incense, and a vibrant, spicy topnote builds in the glass. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering sharply defined red and dark fruit, floral pastille, chewing tobacco and spicecake flavors that deepen with aeration. Seamless, focused and surprisingly delicate for its power, finishing very long and spicy, with resonating florality and polished tannins lending gentle closing grip. Drink 2023 - 2034.
96 Points
Josh Raynolds - Antonio Galloni's Vinous (June 2021)

Woodlands was established in 1973 by David & Heather Watson, as one of the first five vineyards to be planted in the Margaret River wine region. Woodlands now specialises in red wine, and remains owned and operated by the Watson family. Matthew Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the original plantings in gravel-rich sandy loam and clay, where the grapes ripen slowly. Sarah Ahmed: Bloody, ironstone, tertiary nose and palate, fine tannins well done. Ripe and lingering with cassis and slate. Justin Knock MW: Deep-fruited, a little oxidation, a mature, complex style with evolved red leather and creamy fruit, maritime notes, herbs, spice, fine, silky tannins. Julia Sewell: Still remarkably youthful, lively and fresh. Blackcurrant, a touch of violet leaf. Aged in a very pleasant way, with hints of gaminess and a touch of leather. Drink 2021 - 2028.
95 Points
Decanter.com (November 2021)