Woodlands

(2022) 27-year-old vines on top soil over a bed of gravel, extending to clay. 94% is Cabernet Sauvignon, with 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. A small proportion was wild fermented and the wine stayed in barrel for fully 20 months, all new French Oak. The oldest wine in this small selection, showing minimal colour development. Lots and lots of graphite and cigar-box, a very firm and taut blackcurrant fruit, again those small herbaceous notes adding interest. In a similar vein to the Cape Mentelle, the sweet ripeness of fruit striking the palate is surprising, a mouth-filling succulence, but very classy and elegant support from tight, creamy oak tannins, keen and slightly saline acidity, and a long and very pure finish of spice, fruit and freshening acidity.

This highly acclaimed family owned and operated Margaret River producer is in possession of some of the region's top vineyard sites, all dry farmed with minimal chemical interventions. Each year, Woodlands names its top Cabernet after a family member or friend. At eight-years-old, Heather Jean (one of the founders) is old school Margaret River, showing intense of potpourri-like oak spice, still-plush cassis fruit, tomato leaf, dried flowers, milk chocolate and a savory leathery spine. It's a big Bordeaux-like wine with plenty of ripe fruit left and silky, tightly knit tannins. There's plenty of life left in Heather Jean yet. Drink now–2028.