DEEP WOODS Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Robert Parker Score: 95+ points

Reviewer: Erin Larkin — 2146 Jul 2023

Drink 2023–2038

Tasted in May 2023, the 2012 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon hails from a ripe, balanced and lovely vintage. The Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Margaret River en masse have been charming, plush and elegant. Here, the cassis and dark chocolate (cocoa), salted licorice and sandalwood dapple through this wine. The oak regime was adjusted significantly post the 2011 vintage to include lower toast and new coopers (largely Taransaud). The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon wine is then a barrel selection. The Abbey Vale vineyard comprises 65% of the wine, and that is visible in the structure, the cocoa nib and the tannic volume. This was matured for 16-20 months in French oak (50% new). It has plenty of time to go—the drinking window may be conservative, but it considers the attractive freshness of the fruit and the inherent vintage character of 2012. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.