Woodlands Wilyabrup Valley Cabernet Franc Merlot 2020

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.

Cabernet Franc is the genetic parent of Merlot. Merlot was created from an accidental crossing of Cabernet Franc and a variety called Magdeleine Noire des Charentes. Both grapes originated and were first blended in the Bordeaux region of France. The practice of blending these grapes became a tradition in Bordeaux, with Cabernet Franc often used to add complexity to Merlot-based wines. This traditional blend is the foundation for many highly-regarded wines, particularly from the Right Bank of Bordeaux, such as those from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion. 

Winefront

Woodlands Cabernet Franc Merlot 2020 – 92+ / 100 Points

Those beautiful gravelly notes, that edge of mint, that core of currants. This is medium-bodied and refreshing but it still manages to have impact and to linger long. Redcurrants are in play here, as is menthol and leather. It’s tidy plus plus.

– Campbell Mattinson