2024 Deep Woods Estate Cabernet Merlot

2024 was one of the earliest vintages ever seen in Margaret River. Consistently warm, dry conditions allowed for exceptional fruit ripeness and flavour, with very well-balanced natural acidity for such a warm season. Extensive marri blossom resulted in minimal pest pressure throughout the vineyard. The quality of fruit is fantastic and 2024 has produced some very exciting wines with flavour definition and structure.

The fruit for this wine (Cabernet Sauvignon 72%; Merlot 15%; Malbec 7%; Cabernet Franc 6%) was predominantly sourced from the original estate vineyard, with plantings dating back to the mid-1980s. Individual small batches underwent 12–16 days of skin contact during fermentation in a combination of static and open fermenters. Careful pumping over to harness colour and fine skin and seed tannin was employed. Pressing followed directly to barrel to complete fermentation, where the wine aged for 12–16 months prior to careful blending.

This wine exhibits aromas of violets, blackcurrant and bay. It has structural Cabernet tannins, softened with perfectly ripe Merlot, to give the palate ultimate harmony and fruit weight. Dark fruits are evident, with fine cedar oak flavours on the finish.