Product Information
The Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023 is a standout expression of Margaret River’s renowned wine terroir, and a testament to the estate’s dedication to producing world-class wines. Sourced from two premium vineyards in the heart of the Wilyabrup sub-region and a pristine site in Karridale, this wine is crafted from the highly revered Gin Gin clone, which excels in producing elegant, aromatic Chardonnay with a wonderful balance of richness and acidity.
2023 was a vintage marked by near-perfect conditions in Margaret River, with a mild spring followed by a moderate summer. This led to ideal ripening conditions that allowed the grapes to retain excellent acidity while showcasing vibrant fruit expression. The grapes were hand-picked and then subjected to a minimalist winemaking approach: whole-bunch pressing, wild fermentation, and careful lees stirring in a combination of new and seasoned French oak. This slow maturation process, lasting nine months, ensures that the wine achieves its full potential, with complexity and richness that will only improve with age.
Cask Composition - 100% French Oak (44% New)
Winemaking - Whole-bunch pressing, wild fermentation, extended lees contact, minimal intervention
Certified Sustainable - Sustainable Winegrowing Australia
Cellaring - The Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023 is perfect for enjoyment now and will continue to evolve and improve with careful cellaring over the next 5 to 10 years. Ideal storage conditions will allow this wine to reach its full potential, further enhancing its complexity and finesse.
Maker
Deep Woods Estate, established in 1987, is one of Margaret River’s most awarded and highly regarded wineries. Known for its outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Deep Woods Estate has positioned itself as a leader in producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. The estate is located in the Yallingup Hills, a premium area of Margaret River, where soils rich in sand and clay, combined with a dual maritime influence from the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay, create the perfect conditions for producing elegant and complex wines.
Since its acquisition by the Fogarty Wine Group in 2005, Deep Woods Estate has embraced sustainable practices that improve both the quality and yield of the fruit, ensuring that each wine reflects the high standards of this exceptional vineyard. The winery’s state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated team combine traditional techniques with modern innovations to produce wines that consistently impress wine critics and collectors alike.
Vineyard
Deep Woods Estate’s vineyards, located in the heart of Margaret River, are known for their ideal growing conditions. The estate’s 11-hectare vineyard in the Yallingup Hills is situated on a ridge overlooking the valley and is surrounded by large jarrah and marri trees. The soil is a mix of deep, sandy gravels over clay, which allows for exceptional root penetration and flavour development. The vineyard’s high-density plantings ensure optimal fruit quality, while the dual maritime influence of the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay helps create the perfect growing environment for their vines.
Sustainability is at the core of Deep Woods Estate’s viticulture practices. The vineyards are certified sustainable under the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia program, reflecting the winery’s commitment to producing high-quality, environmentally responsible wines.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
Citrus, Peach, Vanilla, Cashew, Cardamom
The nose opens with an array of complex white floral notes, followed by vibrant citrus aromas of lemon and lime, along with ripe peach and subtle vanilla from the oak maturation. Beneath these fruit-forward aromas, hints of cashew paste, cardamom, fennel seed, and baked pastry emerge, adding layers of complexity to the wine.
PALATE
Rich, Tension, Lemon Curd, Bitter Lime, White Stone Fruit
The palate showcases brilliant power and tension, with a core of ripe white stone fruits and lemon curd, balanced by a fine, mineral texture. The wine's silky mouthfeel is enhanced by a touch of bitter lime and creaminess, resulting from extended lees contact. Subtle notes of fennel and cardamom linger, offering a refined and structured finish.
FINISH
Long, Mineral, Balanced
The finish is long and mineral, with a touch of oak adding depth and complexity. The crisp acidity ensures the wine’s vibrancy and balance, allowing it to age gracefully for years to come.
Reviews + Accolades:
Let’s cut to the chase. The finest Deep Woods Chardonnay yet. It has it all. Great fruit has been harnessed with whole bunch pressing and fermentation in new and seasoned French oak. Further lees stirring has built in texture, contributing to a thoroughly beautiful, refined mouth feel. Opens with a stone fruit and savoury light lemon curd aromas. Peels off into a palate that reveals more of a struck match and cracked seashell minerality complementing the outstanding fruit concentration. Super wine. - Ray Jordan Wine Guide 2024, 98 Points
Lime, pink grapefruit, quite a lot of cashew, cinnamon pastry, some cut fennel, a wisp of flinty and smoky things. It has intensity and ripe grapefruity acid cut, something more saline and umami here too, bright and chalky in texture, with lime rind and grip on a finish of excellent length. It has zing and energy, though it really needs a few years in bottle to cool its boots and settle into its groove. - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, 95+
Here, 'Single Vineyard' is trumped by the 'Reserve' range and the extra $30 buys a bit more oak and a bit more other stuff too. It’s a very busy Chardonnay so save it for when you have time to savour it. - Simon Jughes, Max Crus, 95 Points
Smoky notes mix with green tea, crushed rocks and spiced nectarines. There's a lovely flow to the palate with flavours of lemon curd, brioche and subtle herbal threads emerging. Acidity brings freshness while the fruit shows lovely clarity and detail. It's a worked style yet the fruit is never smothered and remains the star of the show. It's drinking very nicely now. - Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review, 95 Points
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - Australia
Region - Margaret River, Western Australia
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%
