Thursday, October 29, 2009

WOODLANDS 'MARGARET' 2007

(Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Malbec)
 - Margaret River, WA
 - $35-$45
 - Screwcap
 - 13.5%alc

Despite its relatively modest asking price ($39 at cellar door), Woodlands Margaret Reserve is a serious player among top-end Australian cabernet blends. Comprised of 67% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 16% malbec, the 2007 is another near perfect, long living example of its classic style.

It's simultaneously deeply scented and intensely lifted, opening to reveal dusty aromas of violets, dark plum, blackberry, redcurrants and carefully smoked cedar/mocha/walnut oak with heady spice notes of clove and white pepper followed by eucalypt. With layer upon layer of dripping flavour and character, its silky palate presents a beautifully composed expression of vivid purple fruits and more savoury, gamey, leafy undertones, harmonised by exceptionally tight, fine-grained French oak and an assertive yet ideally balanced influence of velvet-like tannin. The length is magnificent, with a persisting core of ripe fruit pushing deep into the aftertaste alongside rich notes of earth perfectly imparted by its malbec component.

üWoodlands' 2007 Margaret is an essay in depth, complexity and integration through highly skilled blending. With all the boxes handsomely ticked, it's just urging for more time in the bottle to unravel and reveal its limitless potential. A modern day masterpiece. Drink to 2027.
97 points


3 comments:

  1. Nice review ChrisP! Very high score too, must find some now...

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  2. 'A modern day masterpiece' sounds delightful :) A keeper I guess?

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  3. Yes it's definitely a great wine, especially at that price. I must admit to having a bit of a soft spot for a good cabernet blend though.

    It truly is a keeper, but that's not to say it isn't drinking well now. In fact, this seems to me to be one of those wines which you could pull out any day over the next 20 years and it'll still taste great - with no awkward adolescent stage.

    I love it! (obviously ;)

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