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2017 presented some unusual weather patterns throughout the region given the ‘new normal’ of warmer drier seasons. We experienced the coldest September – October period in 11 years, which delayed the start of the growing season. Summer was mild with La Nina conditions keeping the temperatures low, avoiding any extremes of heat. Flowering was slow and late, around 2-3 weeks later than normal. With a ripening period more in line with the historical phenology of the region, 2017 reds are absolutely classic in their fruit profile and tannin.

Woodlands ‘Margaret’ is sourced entirely from the Woodlands Vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon portion comes from a slope on the south of Woodlands that wraps around a 90-degree radius from east to north. The fruit on this slope receives a great deal of direct sunlight from morning to mid-afternoon, leading to rich full-bodied wines.

The Merlot and Malbec plots that make up the remainder of ‘Margaret’ come from Woodlands’ west-facing slope of deep loam soil. This slope receives the most direct afternoon sunlight at Woodlands, and produces more spicy exotic fruit characters in the finished wine.

This wine was handpicked between 4 and 25 April. Following harvest, the fruit was destemmed, hand sorted, crushed and fermented in small stainless steel fermenters. Following fermentation, the Cabernet Sauvignon portions remained on skins for 25 days. The wine was then matured in French oak (43% new) for 17 months.

Our 2017 ‘Margaret’ is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 6% Malbec.

This wine is very deep crimson in colour.

The nose is very lifted and complex -displaying an array of violet and lifted garden herbs, red berries, and vanillin oak notes.

The palate is classic ‘Margaret’ – with mouth filling ripe red fruits combining with cassis and anise, overlaying a slate-like structure. The finish is supple yet mineral, with a lingering freshness.

Our 2017 Margaret will be in its prime between 2023-2028.