Willowbridge Cabernet/Merlot Dragonfly 2020

Margaret River may be the famous name in this corner of Western Australia, but travel about two hours south of Perth into the rolling hills of Ferguson Valley and you’ll find the Dewar family’s Willow Bridge Estate. Jeff and Vicki Dewar searched Western Australia for the right place to grow grapes before purchasing the property in 1996 and planting their first vines the following year. The vineyards sit high on the western side of the Darling Range, where they benefit from cooling coastal influence. Their 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot is a generous expression of the region, with blackberry, mulberry and plum joined by bay leaf, earthy notes and a touch of toasty oak. The Cabernet provides structure while Merlot softens the edges, finishing with silky tannins and plenty of savory character. At five years old, this wine has already had some time to settle into itself and is a particularly satisfying way to explore a lesser-known corner of Western Australia.