2021 Deep Woods Reserve Cabernet

2021 was the depths of Covid, which presented a challenge in itself! The season was also quite cool and wet in parts, with some large rainfall events interspersed through the growing season. Tricky would be a fair summation! The 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is not tricky, however – it is a triumph. Undeniably lighter framed than some other vintages, its medium bodied charm shines bright. Such is the quality of our Yallingup Hills vineyards and the very special sites of Deep Woods Estate and Abbey Vale. Viva la Cabernet!

The ferments were assessed daily, and pump-overs were performed as required to gently extract colour, flavour and tannin. The wine was gently pressed to a combination of new and seasoned French barriques, where it matured in oak for 18 months.

Bright red with a crimson edge. Lovely red fruit lift with violets and cedar-like oak. Fragrant and expressive, but delicately poised. A medium bodied driven, fruit laden beast! Again, intense flavours of red brambly fruits and crunchy cranberries. Super fine tannins are elegantly suspended within the medium bodied palate and are held in place with the suggestion of fine-grained French oak sweetness. – Julian Langworthy, Deep Woods Estate 

2021 was a really challenging season for grape growing in Margaret River, in large part due to two cyclone weather events that pushed precipitation down the west coast of Australia. With significant rainfall in February and March, viticulturists were put under major strain in terms of managing the effects of rain in the vineyards. The 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is light-framed and pretty, loaded with violets and raspberries, the tannins defined by a raw cocoa edge. This is an earlier-drinking proposition than many of the wines in the lineup. It is actually a remarkable wine in the context of the season. Pretty! This is charming and lighter than its older siblings—the oak regime was tailored to suit the year. 94+ Points, Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate 2023