DEEP WOODS Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Robert Parker Score: 96+ points

Reviewer: Erin Larkin — July 2023 Week 16 Jul 2023

Drink 2025–2040

2016 in Margaret River was hot and lower yielding, with good density of fruit flavors. It is a vintage that can be defined by its firm, abundant tannins and powerful fruit. In this 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, the majority component comes from the Abbey Vale block. The Deep Woods Block 3 was changed from spur pruning to cane pruning after the 2014 vintage, and it wasn't until the 2018 vintage that the effects of this were overtly evident. The temperature regulation of the barrel hall (introduced in 2014) in a warm vintage like this is hugely beneficial. Here, in this 2016 vintage, the Abbey Vale sits proudly on the nose, while the palate is intensely tannic and shapely. The fruit shows dark brooding characters—blood plum, raspberry and licorice. With a gorgeous mid-palate through finish, this is where this fruit is able to distinguish itself from the tannins and the flavors linger beyond. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.