Woodlands Vineyard 'Margaret' 2018

There is something quietly magnetic about the Margaret River. Perhaps it is the way the ocean air lingers over the vineyards or the calm steadiness of its seasons. Whatever the secret, the wines born here carry a character that feels both generous and disciplined. Among these, the Woodlands Margaret Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot speaks with a voice that is refined yet approachable, a kind of dinner guest who charms everyone at the table without ever needing to raise their voice.

Origins 

Woodlands began as a family vision, planted in the early 1970s when the region was still more famous for surf breaks than cellars. The estate quickly earned a reputation for wines that seemed to carry both power and grace, particularly from Cabernet Sauvignon. When the team decided to blend Cabernet with Merlot, the aim was not simply to soften the edges but to create a dialogue between two characters. Cabernet brings structure, authority, and a certain dark fruit seriousness, while Merlot adds generosity, roundness, and a velvet quality that makes the partnership complete. Woodlands 'Margaret' is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 8% Malbec from Woodlands Vineyard.

Tasting 

Woodlands 'Margaret' 2018 is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 8% Malbec from Woodlands Vineyard. Opening a bottle of the Margaret Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot feels like lifting the curtain on a story already in progress. The Margaret 2018 opens with fragrant blackberry, boysenberry and brambly fruit, with hints of violet and cedar adding a little sophistication. On the palate, rich cassis and dark berries mingle with earthy forest-floor notes, toasted spice and a touch of savoury complexity. Firm, ripe tannins provide structure, while the texture is wonderfully smooth and the finish long and velvety. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, this is a confident, beautifully composed Margaret River red with enough depth for a special dinner and enough charm to make an ordinary evening feel rather special.

Accolades and Recognition

Woodlands wines have long been celebrated on both domestic and international stages. While the Margaret Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot may not always wear the crown of a flagship, it consistently gathers medals and high praise for its elegance and balance. Critics often remark on its value, as it showcases the pedigree of the estate in a form that is immediately enjoyable yet capable of graceful ageing.

What makes this wine engaging is not just its fruit or its structure but its sense of place. It reflects the calm yet energetic spirit of Margaret River itself. It is a bottle suited equally to casual conversation over shared meals or to more thoughtful reflection by the fire. To taste it is to experience a meeting of voices that belong together, harmonising in a way that only a vineyard with deep roots and a careful hand can achieve.