Review:

Wine Companion – 95 Points
Fruit comes off the Amadeus vineyard (now in a lease-back arrangement after Deep Woods’ owner, Fogarty Wine Group, sold it in late ’23). Now back to the wine – some lovely varietal inputs both on the nose and palate with jasmine, ginger flower, green gage plums and Granny Smith apple. It’s racy and super tight, a legit style, although this could take in more fruit ripeness to fill out the palate. There’s a refreshing saline tang to the finish driven by the crunchy, tangy acidity. Moreish and seductive. Nice one.

Tasting Notes:

The 2024 Deep Woods Albariño presents as a pale straw colour with green tinges, offering an inviting appearance that hints at its freshness. The aroma is lifted and exotic, with initial notes of pear and lemon rind, which are then followed by coriander seed and fennel spice. This complexity draws you in, making it an engaging wine from the first glance.

On the palate, this Albariño is juicy and moreish, with a vibrant citrus profile that is complemented by mineral qualities. The wine’s coastal influence comes through in the form of rock salt and a pith-like flow, enhancing its texture and giving it an exciting, slightly saline finish. The wine is refreshing and balanced, with bright acidity that keeps the flavours crisp.

Vineyard and Winemaking Process

Sourced from the Amadeus Vineyard: Located in Wilyabrup, Margaret River, the Amadeus Vineyard provides ideal conditions for Albariño, with a combination of warm, dry conditions and maritime influences that contribute to the wine’s vibrant acidity and complex fruit flavours.

Vintage Overview:
The 2024 vintage was one of the earliest on record in Margaret River. Warm, dry conditions allowed the grapes to ripen early, resulting in exceptional fruit flavours and balanced natural acidity. The year also benefited from minimal pest pressure due to extensive marri blossom, ensuring high-quality fruit.

Winemaking Details:
The grapes were hand-harvested at night on the 5th of February to preserve freshness before being gently pressed into stainless steel for cold settling. A cool fermentation was employed to build the wine’s aromatic profile, followed by three months of maturation on ferment lees to enhance texture and complexity. The wine was then clarified and bottled to retain its freshness.

Wine & Food Pairing Recommendations

• Main Courses: Chargrilled octopus with fresh lemon and spring vegetables, or a plate of fresh seafood like oysters or prawn skewers.
• Cheese Pairings: Light, fresh cheeses like goat cheese or a mild feta complement the wine’s vibrant acidity.
• Side Dishes: Fresh salads, particularly those with citrus-based dressings, or vegetable tempura.
  Seasonal Pairing: A refreshing wine for spring and summer gatherings, pairing beautifully with fresh seafood and light fare.

Wine Awards and Recognition

• Margaret River Wine Show 2024 – Trophy Best Alternative White
• WA Good Food Guide Wine Awards 2024 – Top 25 Wines of WA
• Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot 2024 – Rated 94 points
• Barry Weinman, September 2024 – Rated 93 points

Serving Temperature Tips

To fully appreciate the aromas and texture of the 2024 Deep Woods Albariño, serve the wine well-chilled at 8–10°C. This temperature allows the bright citrus and mineral notes to shine, making it the perfect companion for seafood dishes and light meals.

Additional Info:

• Grape Varietal: 100% Albariño
• Origin: Margaret River, Western Australia
• Style: Crisp, mineral-driven, and aromatic
• Ideal For: Pairing with fresh seafood, light salads, and summer dishes
• Cellaring Potential: 2–3 years
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 12.5%
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Technical Terms Explained:

• Lees: The dead yeast cells and other particles left in the wine after fermentation. Maturation on lees enhances texture and adds complexity to the wine.
• Saline Backbone: A slight salty taste on the palate, which can be influenced by coastal growing conditions. It adds a refreshing, savoury component to the wine.
• Acidity: A natural component in wine that provides freshness and balance. This Albariño has racy acidity that keeps it crisp and lively.
• Phenolics: Compounds found in grape skins that contribute to the texture and structure of the wine. In this Albariño, they provide a light grip on the palate and support the wine’s citrus-driven flavours.
• Ferment Lees: The sediment left in the wine after fermentation. The wine is aged on the lees to enhance its mouthfeel and complexity.