deep woods shines in james suckling tasting

Prominent wine critic James Suckling recently conducted his biggest ever tasting on Australian shores, tasting more than 2,700 wines in a three-week adventure spanning six states. His tour began here in Margaret River, where he discovered  Chardonnay with 'strength and prowess' and 'terroir-driven' Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds. 

Deep Woods Estate took centre stage when it came to Chardonnay, with the 2017 Reserve not only awarded the highest points of any white wine across the country but also drawing the attention of James' co-critic (and son) Jack Suckling, who declared that it smelt like the Burgundian superstar wine Chevalier-Montrachet. According to James' other fellow taster, Australian critic Nick Stock, this was "high praise indeed, the highest possible". 

The tasting comprised a comprehensive selection from the Deep Woods Estate range, which all drew great praise from James and the tasting panel:

deep woods 2017 reserve chardonnay
98 points

Omg. This smells like Chevalier-Montrachet. There’s a wondrous note of flint that rises out of the glass, soon to be followed by quartz, riverbed, lemon curd, cloves, nutmeg and honeysuckle. It’s incredibly luscious and full-bodied, yet, despite all the odds, an arrow-dart of perfectly tuned acidity pierces through the myriad of citrus fruit and spices. A stupendous, spellbinding chardonnay that will take any wine lover’s breath away. Step aside Burgundy. Drink now or hold for a very long time.

deep woods 2013 grand selection yallingup cabernet sauvignon
96 points

(The 2012 Grand Selection Yallingup Cabernet Sauvignon is currently available)

Very attractive notes of leaves and tobacco here with a level of complexity that really entrances. The dark cherries and blueberries pervade the nose and palate with a rich and lusciously fleshy weave of tannin. Long and seamless, there’s a lot to like here. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

deep woods 2018 single vineyard chardonnay
96 points

(The 2017 Single Vineyard Chardonnay is currently available)

A stunning chardonnay that’s so subtle and refined from the outset, displaying limes and lemons, flint, sea shells, cloves, white pepper and nutmeg. Somehow, this manages to be pithy and incredibly dense and phenolic, but also laser-sharp and mouthwatering. Drink now or hold.

deep woods 2013 grand selection wilyabrup cabernet sauvignon
95 points

(The 2012 Grand Selection Wilyabrup Cabernet Sauvignon is currently available)

A very fresh, ripe and dark-berry fruited nose that still holds very primary fruit aromas, ahead of leaves and fresh roasting herbs. The palate is so silky and youthful and builds exceptionally fresh and fleshy fruit presence into the back palate. Long and silky tannins. Very plush and driving tannins at the finish. This has a long life ahead. Drink over the next decade or more. Screw cap.

deep woods 2016 reserve cabernet sauvignon
94 points

(Unfortunately, this is now sold out. Please email us at enquiries@deepwoods.com if you would like to be notified when the 2017 is released)

This is a focused and polished young cabernet with firmness and structure, showing pretty balance and beauty. Lots of currant flavors, too. Very soft and driven texture. Perky and exciting. Hard not to drink now. Better in 2021.

deep woods 2018 estate chardonnay
93 points

Very fresh and crisp with bright acidity and lemony fruit character. Medium body. Energetic finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

deep woods 2018 estate sauvignon blanc
93 points

An attractive, white-peach and melon nose with green mango on offer, too. The palate casts a very taut and intense sleeve of tart, dry and fresh tropical-fruit flavour. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

deep woods 2017 estate shiraz et al
93 points

There’s a peppery edge here with ripe red cherries and plums, as well as a wild-raspberry thread and notes of cool stones. The palate has a very fresh and fleshy array of bright red berries. Fine, long and lithe tannins. A blend of shiraz, malbec and grenache. Drink now. Screw cap.

deep woods 2017 single vineyard cabernet sauvignon malbec
92 points

(Exclusively available at Vintage Cellars)

There’s a very plush, dark and red-plum core of both aroma and flavour here. Saturated and fleshy palate with approachable and sturdy tannins. Impressive, vibrant wine. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

deep woods 2016 estate cabernet sauvignon merlot
91 points

The richness and fleshy boost of merlot really fills this cabernet out nicely with redder fruit tones and attractively spicy fruit flavours on offer. The palate is succulent and juicy with a plush, easygoing finish. Drink now.

deep woods 2018 hillside chardonnay
91 points

(The 2015 Hillside Chardonnay is currently available)

This has some ripeness and attractive fruit character with a fresh lemon and peach core and a toasted-hazelnut finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

deep woods 2018 estate rosé
91 points

This shows some real interest on the nose for a rosé, without being too heavy, showcasing dried cranberries and strawberries with some herbs in the background. Fruity and exuberant, this relatively full-bodied rosé has crunchy and spicy appeal throughout. Drink now.

deep woods 2017 hillside cabernet sauvignon
90 points

(The 2016 Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon is currently available)

Attractive cassis and blackberries with a regional, leaf and herb edge. Exuberant fruit abounds. The palate has a vibrant, sweet red-berry and cherry core with sleek, soft and approachable tannins. Drink now.

deep woods 2017 ebony cabernet shiraz
90 points

(The 2016 Ebony Cabernet Shiraz is currently available)

Delicious tobacco and dark-berry aromas and flavours here with wet earth. Medium body. Light tannins. Fresh and simple finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

JamesSuckling.com is one of the voices of wine authority, with more than 4 million followers around the world, concentrated particularly in North America and prominent Asian markets.