Woodlands Brook 'Clementine' 2019

Winemaking and Drinking

A Portrait of Elegance from Margaret River

There are wines that speak quietly and there are wines that sing with clarity. The Clementine Cabernet Sauvignon from Woodlands falls somewhere in between, offering a voice that is both graceful and commanding. It is a wine that seems to tell its story slowly, inviting you to lean closer and listen.

Origins

Woodlands itself is one of Margaret River’s most cherished estates. Founded in the early 1970s, the winery was built on a vision of producing wines that reflect both place and patience. Unlike many wineries that push for immediate recognition, Woodlands has always seemed content to let its vines and vintages reveal themselves over time. The Clementine range, named for one of the family’s daughters, carries a sense of warmth and intimacy. It feels less like a grand statement and more like a personal letter, carefully written but full of character.

Tasting

The Clementine Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect example of this personality with a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Malbec, 22% Merlot and 11% Petit Verdot. At first glance the wine shimmers with deep crimson hues, the kind that suggest both energy and depth. The nose is generous with ripe blackcurrant and mulberry, lifted by hints of fresh herbs and subtle spice. There is a sense of brightness to the fruit that feels distinctly Margaret River, where the maritime climate brings freshness to even the most structured reds.

On the palate the wine strikes a balance between softness and backbone. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and drive, while the Merlot adds roundness and charm. Notes of dark cherry, cedar, and a gentle earthiness mingle with fine tannins that are present but never harsh. It is a wine that feels equally at home at a long Sunday lunch or in a quiet cellar awaiting a future occasion.

Accolades

While awards are not the sole measure of quality, the Clementine range has quietly collected recognition in local and national shows. Judges tend to note the precision of the fruit and the harmony of the blend. For collectors the wine offers remarkable value, often praised for delivering finesse and age worthiness without needing decades of patience. Beyond medals and reviews though, the real appeal of the Clementine Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is its character. It carries with it the charm of Margaret River’s vineyards, the care of a family run estate, and the joy of sharing something crafted with sincerity. To open a bottle is to experience not just wine but a story unfolding in the glass.