2021 Woodlands Brook 'Emily'

The somewhat cooler 2021 season allowed an extended harvest, and produced one powerful and dense Cabernet Franc.

2021 Woodlands Brook 'Emily' is a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, 8% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. This wine has matured in 300L French barrels for 14 months, of which 40% were new.

The colour is an intense deep crimson. The nose shows strawberry, black cherry and chai spice. The oak is prominent at this stage but will settle in time.

The palate is very powerful. The Cabernet Franc flavours of violet and blackcurrant dominate, supported by vanilla, cocoa, and sweet spices. Very fine but firm at the moment - destined for long term cellaring.

David Watson has noted “Lovely gravelly blackcurrant fruit - reminiscent of the 1989 Emily. This is one of our best Emily’s."

Pair this wine with braised pork cheek stew, Yorkshire pudding and mushroom gravy.