2024 Deep Woods Estate Reserve Chardonnay, Margaret River

A powerhouse of a wine, yet with precision etched all over. There are so many layers to this; where to start? Well, how about with the flinty, funky reduction that’s scintillating, flavours of grapefruit and lemon, cedary spicy oak, not too much, and the fleck of herbs. This is super tight and pure, with the acidity cinching everything in and leading it out to a long, persistent finish. A cracking chardonnay. Drink 2026-2036.

97 points Special Value Jane FaulknerHalliday Wine Companion April 2026

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.

97 points James Suckling July 2025

The 2024 Chardonnay Reserve is sophisticated, showing a pronounced reductive character. Layered aromas of struck match are well supported by robust flavors of preserved lemon and peach. The palate is packed with flavor, with a bite of acidity that gives admirable tension to its weight. There is much to like before the wine softens on the finish. Drink 2025-2030.

93 points Angus Hughson Vinous January 2026

Gold 2025 Sydney Royal Wine Show

Gold 2025 Adelaide Royal Wine Show

Gold 2025 Perth Royal Wine Awards

Gold 2025 Margaret River Wine Show

There is a real sense of intent behind this wine, a step up into the more serious side of Margaret River Chardonnay, and Deep Woods has been on a remarkable run under Julian Langworthy, whose attention to detail has turned the estate into one of the region’s standout performers. Sourced from the elevated Yallingup Hills, the vineyards benefit from cooler conditions and gravelly soils that naturally lend themselves to structure, intensity and finesse, the kind of fruit that can handle a more thoughtful, layered approach in the winery.

Ripe nectarine and white peach sit at the core, wrapped in citrus curd, grilled hazelnut and a flicker of struck match complexity. There is depth here, but it is beautifully controlled, with oak and lees work adding shape and texture rather than weight. The palate builds slowly, moving from bright citrus into a more creamy, savoury middle before tightening into a long, mineral finish that feels both powerful and precise.

Already impressive in its youth, though this is built to age, easily evolving over eight to twelve years as the fruit softens and more nutty, savoury complexity comes into play. It is the kind of Chardonnay that comfortably sits alongside some of the best in the country, and often surprises with just how complete it feels.

Think lobster with beurre blanc, roast chicken with truffle and herbs, or a rich seafood pie that matches its texture and depth. This is a wine for when the food matters just as much as what is in the glass, and both deserve a bit of attention.