It’s no exaggeration to say that Deep Woods Estate has played a role in transforming Margaret River. Don’t get us wrong; this is a region that already enjoyed a lofty reputation for outstanding wines when Julian Langworthy returned home in 2011. But back then, that reputation rested on the shoulders of a very few pioneers.
Newer kids on the block—if indeed Deep Woods can be classified as such, with excellent estate plantings dating back to 1987—looked up and saw a glass ceiling separating them from the perceived elite. Glass ceilings don’t smash easily; you’ve got to keep chipping away.
The implements employed for this purpose have been x-factor parcels lavished with loving viticulture, palates that knew what they were pursuing and light-touch winemaking that showed total faith in the fruit and the process. The cracks appeared as a cascade of critical praise and a treasure trove of trophies. Lo and behold, Deep Woods emerged into the light and continues to shine as a beacon of this truly blessed wine-growing region.
If you consider the skill and ambition that propel the Deep Woods project, this would come as little surprise. “I believe very strongly the level of recognition Margaret River gets, and our wines get, and Australian wines in general get on the world stage are infinitesimally smaller than they should be,” Julian Langworthy recently told the Vininspo! podcast. “We make in Australia some of the best wines in the world, and they’re only getting better. And if I can have a small part to play in some of those wines that define Australia as fine wine on the world stage, I’d be a very happy man.”
And he should be happy. This latest release shows that this estate sensed heights to scale that went far beyond that glass ceiling. With senior winemaker Matt Buchan relishing his role, the 2023 Reserve Cabernet is everything you’d expect from a vintage that transcended even Margaret River’s already sky-high hopes. The following year was warmer, posing a greater challenge to arrive at the kind of depth, detail and composure we expect from Deep Woods. But, again, Jules, Matt and the team have nailed a screamer of a Chardonnay.
Vintage 2024
2024 was one of the earliest vintages ever seen in Margaret River, with early flowering and fruit set resulting in picking dates up to three weeks ahead of the region’s average for some varieties.
Consistently warm, dry conditions allowed for exceptional fruit ripeness and flavour development, balanced by very good natural acidity. Extensive marri blossom led to minimal pest pressure in the vineyard. The quality of the fruit was fantastic, and 2024 has produced some very exciting wines with both flavour definition and power. – Julian Langworthy
Vintage 2023
2023 saw a mild spring with adequate soil moisture, resulting in a slightly later season. A moderate summer led to ideal ripening conditions, with little pressure in the vineyard and no major rain events during the ripening season. Consistently warm days and cool evenings allowed for great acid retention in the grapes while achieving optimal fruit expression. – Julian Langworthy
2024 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay RRP $85
The assemblage of this wine is primarily sourced from two premium northern Wilyabrup vineyards, with additional fruit from a pristine site in Karridale, all 100% Gin Gin clone. The fruit was hand-picked and chilled overnight to maintain pristine condition. A minimalist approach in the winery included whole-bunch pressing, wild fermentation and sparing lees stirring in a mixture of new and seasoned French oak. The individual parcels were kept separate and aged on lees for nine months before the final wine was assembled through meticulous barrel selection.
Pale straw with a green hue. Intense citrus, sea spray and pastry notes lead the wine, with underlying white florals, charred almond and crushed stone. The immediate power and clonal expression point to the pedigree of the fruit, showcasing flavours of white peach, amaretto and cinnamon toast. The tension on the palate has a nervy energy held together by textures of candle wax, Sicilian olive brine, and an incredibly subtle French oak char. – Julian Langworthy
Another excellent release with a touch of sun and a now cult-like following. Reductive-edged aromas of struck match, grapefruit, crushed stones and a steely, almost metallic polish. The palate is tightly wound but a little more generous and open, reflecting the warmer vintage, with searing acidity, generous fruit and high tension. Truly excellent. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 97 points. Ryan Montgomery, jamessuckling.com Jul 2025
The cool vintage shows in the wine’s soft, flirtatious appeal. 97 points.
jamessuckling.com
2023 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon RRP $95
This Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from the ultra-low-yielding original vines on the estate, planted in 1987, along with fruit from the neighbouring Abbey Vale vineyard, planted in 1985. The ferments were assessed daily, and pumpovers were performed as required to gently extract colour, flavour and tannin. The wine was gently pressed to a combination of new and seasoned French barriques, where it matured in oak for 18 months.
Deep redcurrant and mulberry in hue, with immediate aromas of red florals, cherry wood, cedar and intense currant, supported by cassis, bay leaf and brine. The palate shows preserved power and poise, with a seamless, compact tannin profile that will unfold over time but is, for now, saline and youthful. Flavours of Dutch cacao powder, tobacco and complex spice meet sweet fruit notes, presenting a very fine Cabernet with balance and class. – Julian Langworthy
What a release of this almost-cult wine. Aromatic lift and real depth of flavor with red and black currants, potpourri, cocoa beans and fresh blue fruit as well as blood plums, black cherries, cedar and iron. The profound palate has textural, refined and approachable tannins with a mineral, mouthwatering edge. The cool vintage shows in the wine’s soft, flirtatious appeal. Slightly atypical in style but excellent. Drink or hold. Screw cap. 97 points. Ryan Montgomery, jamessuckling.com Jul 2025
Black and red fruit, nutmeg and spice, mint and menthol in the mix, cocoa and bay leaf, some dried flower perfume wafting about. It’s medium to full-bodied, tannin has a firm feel and there’s a lively crunch to acidity, blue and black fruit, a polished and suave feel to the wine, biscuitty oak, red and blue fruits close out a finish of excellent length. Cocoa is a theme here, and there’s lots of that, but there’s no doubt it’s a very good expression of Cabernet. 95+ points. Gary Walsh, The Winefront Nov 25
