THE Watson family of Woodlands in Wilyabrup produce some of the best chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons, in every price range, in the country.
Recently the Woodlands’ national wholesalers requested an exclusive label made by the Woodlands team that they could have retailers sell at under $20.
They could not understand why anybody would want to sell wines of this quality at under $20 and so, to separate it from the famous Woodlands imagery, they developed the Watson Family Vineyards Label which includes the following.
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READ NOWWatson Family sauvignon blanc semillon 2016
This is warm, round, dry, balanced and nothing like the fresh, racy and crisp style. It has quince and passionfruit flavours and shows the middle palate complexity from some ‘worked’ and less contact characters that make it a better match with food. 17.5 points.
Watson Family cabernet sauvignon merlot 2015
Last year’s 2014 release of the cabernet sauvignon was also outstanding. This is a touch lighter at this stage and a touch fresher. It is balanced, round and complete for very pleasant easy drinking over the next five years.
Cleansing, fresh crispness down either side to allow for five years of development, but the great plus here is the lovely balance for drinking right now. 18 points.
Watson Family chardonnay 2016
With just over 200 cases, this is a round, viscous, long and seamless chardonnay featuring high-quality fruit of real depth and brilliant winemaking. It is one of Australia’s greatest values and ridiculously underpriced. Gold medal country at 18.2 points.
Watson Family shiraz 2013
This is also a silly price for a wine of this quality. The fruit here is full and ripe, without being plump, and is soft and round. It has the density and length of quality fruit with touches of briar that add complexity and scope for development.
It is a very well made, reasonably high-quality, easy drinking Margaret River shiraz, at a throwaway price for a wine of this quality. This wine is sold out at the winery, where they have already moved on to the 2014 vintage. 18.2 points.