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