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One of the early pioneers of the Margaret River region, Woodlands' vineyards date back to 1973. As curator of these historic vineyards, Stuart & Andrew Watson have firmly re-established Woodlands into the top echolon of Margaret River producers. Sourced from an the outstanding 2008 vintage, the Shelley Anne Cabernet Sauvignon shows cassis, mulberry and blackcurrant with that typical bay leaf and cedar undertones. A wine that will live for well over a decade.

Concentration is the key word for this wine. Super ripe fruit, dense and rich, matured for an extended time in toasty new oak. Complex, vibrant aromas of violets, plums, blackberries and cassis with dried rosemary, thyme and oregano nuances, and a hint of beef stock, cedar and star anise spice. The palate is powerful yet incredibly finely structured with layers of plums, blackberries and red currants, guided by elegant acidity and tannins that integrate with the fruit and lead to a long, fine, beguiling finish. Exceptional vintage, 25+ years (from vintage).

Woodlands, established in 1973, has emerged as one of the regions important producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. The original, dry-grown 3.2 hectares, planted between 1973 and 1976, has now expanded to 10.5 hectares. The sandy and gravelly red/brown loams over lateritic sub-soils are well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. Organic and biodynamic principles are gradually being introduced. Batch-vinification in open and closed, stainless-steel fermenters with minute parcels of Malbec optimises fruit complexity. Typically the wine shows cassis/ black fruit/ cedar aromas, fine-grained tannins and underlying savoury oak.

Chris Ringland Limit Lodge Cabernet Mataro is a blend of exceptional fruit from exceptional vineyards, a new style from winemaker Chris Ringland and grape grower Adrian Hoffmann. The name Limit Lodge comes from a historical parcel within the Hoffmann vineyards, and is also appropriate given the limited number of bottles made. Matured in aged French oak, this is a juicy Cabernet blend rich in dark, plummy fruits with savoury notes of bittersweet chocolate, coffee, and anise. The finish is long with mouth-coating tannins, and a slight salinity. Plenty of potential for ageing.

ECHO DE LYNCH BAGES Second Wine of Chateau Lynch-Bages, Pauillac