Woodlands Clementine 2019

Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. David and Heather Watson dreamed of making their own world-class Bordeaux-style blends when they founded their own winery in 1973. Woodlands was one of the very first wineries to be planted in Australia’s Margaret River region and now has 10 hectares of vines which are all farmed organically. In 2021 the winery was chosen as one of Wine & Spirits magazine’s Top 100 Wineries, a testament to their rigorous winemaking and excellent terroir. Their Clementine cuvee is a complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from Woodlands’ Brook Vineyard. The fruit from this prized plot is bold, aromatic, and intense, creating powerful red wines with plenty of rich berry notes. Following vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 16 months to soften the tannins and add extra complexity. The inky deep red hue in the glass is complemented by hints of mulberry, blackcurrant, dark cherry, and black olive on the nose. The first sip reveals a robust full body, firm tannins, and a solid core of dark berries which linger on the tongue. The finish is long and intense, with hints of bay leaf, tobacco, cedar and woodsmoke.

Price: £20.47 from 8wines UK