Deep Woods Margaret River Chardonnay 2023 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely Chardonnay from Margaret River in Western Australia. It is brand-new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across the province as part of last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on June 8th.

It is produced by Deep Woods Estate, a Margaret River gem that was established in 1987 by Dr. Thomas Cullity. The founder was a fan of the popular comic "Phantom" and named the winery Deep Woods, a fictitious location from the comic, while also designing the logo based on the Phantom ring. In 1992, Deep Woods was acquired by the Gould family.

In 2005, Deep Woods Estate was purchased by the Fogarty family, a wine group currently run by Peter and Lee Fogarty, and is one of a number of wine estates owned by Fogarty Wine Group. Under the guidance of the Fogarty group, Deep Woods has been transformed into one of Margaret River's most highly regarded wineries. Wine production at Deep Woods is based on a combination of traditional philosophy using modern techniques. The talented team is led by Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy, who produces wines of prestige and provenance.

The Estate is situated in the heart of the Yallingup Hills in Margaret River, Western Australia, perched high on a ridge overlooking the valley and surrounded by large jarrah and marri trees. The terroir in this area is unique with soils that are comprised of deep, sandy gravels over clay, as well as a dual maritime influence from both the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay - factors that contribute to this world-class wine region.

After being acquired by the Fogarty family, the vineyards were re-worked and a new maintenance program was introduced to utilize sustainable vineyard practices to improve fruit quality and produce small, higher-quality yields. As of 2024, Deep Woods' vineyards are certified sustainable under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, a process which has led to outstanding fruit and superior wines, including award-winning Chardonnay that is processed and bottled in small batches on-site. Sustainable viticultural practices, together with Margaret River's exceptional and unique terroir, help deliver high-quality fruit year after year, which is then used to craft high quality wines across a number of ranges in the pursuit of excellence.

This white wine is from Deep Woods' Estate range of wines that display individual varietal character and represent incredible value in the Margaret River wine region. Crafted with 100% Chardonnay, the fruit was sourced from vineyards across the Margaret River wine region. It was fermented using wild yeast and left to mature on its lees for six months in new and seasoned French oak to impart great texture and length.

The 2023 growing season in Margaret River began with a mild spring with adequate soil moisture, which resulted in a slightly later start to the season. The moderate summer led to ideal ripening conditions, with little pressure in the vineyard, including the lack of any major rain events. Consistently warm days and cool evenings allow for great acid retention within the grapes, while also achieving optimal fruit expression. From an excellent vintage, let's see how this 2023 Margaret River Chardonnay is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DEEP WOODS MARGARET RIVER CHARDONNAY 2023 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#33569) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose leads with smoky, mineral, barrel-influenced aromas layered over apple, pear, orchard fruit, lemon citrus, nutty, and leesy notes. The dry, medium-full bodied palate is more fruit forward with ripe apple, pear, lemon citrus flavours mingling with smoky oak, leesy mineral, and spice notes, plus a tinge of honey adding further complexity. It's nicely balanced with a slightly chalky textured mouthfeel, with some sense of elegance. Acids are juicy and succulent. Leesy mineral notes linger on the long, savoury finish. Enjoy to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

One other lovely wine by Deep Woods Estate can be found at the LCBO, while the entire portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.