Expressive & Unique: Deep Woods Single Vineyard Range
The Deep Woods Single Vineyard range is an exciting range, consisting of a very select collection of wines which are, as Deep Woods Estate Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy says, “super expressive, super unique and super cool”.
The soil, slope, elevation and microclimate of a vineyard has a large impact on how certain aromas and flavours are expressed, and this is also heavily influenced by vintage variations (rainfall, flower set, diurnal temperatures and humidity). The beauty of single vineyard wines is that they showcase variations in vintages and the changes in microclimates of a single site – something that the French call terroir, loosely translated as “a sense of place”.
The range currently includes the 2021 Single Vineyard Chardonnay and 2021 Single Vineyard Cabernet Malbec.
The 2021 Single Vineyard Chardonnay offers a pristine expression of 2021 Chardonnay from the Bridgelands Vineyard, located in the Karridale sub-region (south of the Margaret River township, bordering Wallcliffe). This vineyard has a unique microclimate, regulated by a large reservoir at the heart of it, as well as maritime influences from the Cape’s coasts. The cooler 2021 vintage, coupled with the southern growing area of Karridale, has resulted in a Chardonnay bursting with juicy citrus and savoury fennel. Awarded 96 and 95 points by James Suckling and the Halliday Wine Companion respectively, the 2021 vintage is yet again an award-winning example of ultra-premium Deep Woods Single Vineyard Chardonnay. As Erin Larkin of the Halliday Wine Companion said, "this provides a startlingly clear view of the 'other' style of Chardonnay that Margaret River does so well." Self-proclaimed “Chardonnay lover” Julian says, “the palate has layers of citrus, texture and tension. It’s approachable now, but will develop beautifully over time.”
The 2021 Single Vineyard Cabernet Malbec is a snapshot of the 2021 vintage from the Septimus Vineyard located in the Central Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River. Julian describes this parcel of land as, "...one of the oldest in the region, it produces wines with great personality and, as always, stunning elegance and charm.” 2021 was a cooler vintage, and the palate reflects this showing vibrancy and perfume with bright berry fruits, supple, silky tannins and a deliciously long finish. This age-worthy red blend was awarded 96 points and highly reviewed by the Halliday Wine Companion: “The fuller-bodied palate is alive and vibrant, flavours build and the tannins have presence, all textural and ripe. The finish lingers long as will this wine as in at least two decades.”
Margaret River's Terroir
Margaret River is an extremely special place, for many reasons. It's ancient soils, maritime influence and latitude result in wet winters, and warm, dry summers – the ideal conditions for growing high quality Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. As Julian aptly puts it, "Margaret River is winemaking nirvana".
"We just have this amazing Goldilocks effect of lovely sunny days, cool nights, wonderfully diverse soil types and aspects. It's never too hot, never too cold, and it's just a beautiful place to grow grapes," he said.
The Margaret River Sub-Regions
DEEP WOODS 2021 SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY
5 Gold Medals
Single vineyard site: Bridgelands Vineyard, Karridale
"Fruit from Karridale. Hand picked, whole-bunch pressed, wild ferment, very minimal bâtonnage, matured on lees for 9 months in a combination of new and seasoned French oak. A cool vintage, coupled with the southern growing area of Karridale, has imbued this wine with laser acidity and precise drive in the mouth. With citrus, red apples, white peach, creamy cashews and loads of brine (with some apricot squares through the finish) this provides a startlingly clear view of the 'other' style of Chardonnay that Margaret River does so well. Harnessed volume is converted into superfine layers of taut fruit. It's concentrated, but it's also glass-like, with shards of acidity and chalky phenolics. Very cool."
- 95 Points, Halliday Wine Companion 2023
DEEP WOODS 2021 SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET MALBEC
Single vineyard site: Septimus Vineyard, Central Wilyabrup
"At once powerful yet contained with the varieties beautifully matched. While the classy Cabernet aromas and flavours come through, they are rendered more savoury by the Malbec and oak. The fuller-bodied palate is alive and vibrant, flavours build and the tannins have presence, all textural and ripe. The finish lingers long as will this wine as in at least two decades."
- 96 Points, Halliday Wine Companion 2024