IWSC Global Judging in Margaret River: Producer Trophy revealed

Following our 2025 Global Judging in Margaret River, Deep Woods Estate has been awarded the Western Australia Producer Trophy for its outstanding wines. This year’s judging saw 39 Gold medals awarded overall, underlining the region’s growing international reputation for producing world-class wines.

A benchmark for Margaret River winemaking

Founded in 1987, Deep Woods Estate has grown to become one of Margaret River’s most acclaimed wineries. Known for its cutting-edge facilities and talented team, the estate combines tradition with innovation, crafting some of Australia’s most consistent and celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Deep Woods is also Western Australia’s largest producer of Rosé, cementing its role as a trendsetter in the region.

Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy has become a key voice in Margaret River winemaking. Andrew Caillard MW described him as an important trendsetter, whose “virtuosity with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon is based on a thorough understanding of the unique and beautiful Gingin and Houghton clones, an uncanny empathy for vineyard site and a sense of purpose that motivates and encourages teamwork.” He added that Deep Woods’ success “speaks loudly about the culture and unity of this particularly lovely corner of Australia, while illustrating that singularity and precision are transcendent qualities in fine wine.”

Wine Judging Committee member Sarah Abbott MW, who oversaw the judging session, highlighted how “Deep Woods is so acclaimed that these results are probably not a surprise. But it’s important to remember that our judges taste blind, with no sight of the bottle, and that we are as excited and anxious as everyone else to see which wines we’ve awarded.” She described the wines as “sumptuous yet pacy… a great achievement, and fine ambassadors for the unique and beautiful terroir of Margaret River.”

Medal-winning wines

Reserve Chardonnay 2024 (Gold):
"A striking wine with cool flint aromatics, grapefruit zest, and a touch of cinnamon. Layers of poached pear and ripe peach deliver harmony on the palate, while a long, energetic finish brings allure and complexity."

Reserve Chardonnay 2023 (Gold):
"Lifted aromas of lemon curd, lime cordial, and grapefruit, complemented by flint and aniseed. The palate reveals ripe stone fruits and tangy citrus, woven with subtle smokiness and refined texture."

Grand Selection Yallingup Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Silver):
"Enticing aromas of red cherry, fresh plum, fig, and summer violet. The palate reveals a velvety texture, rich in espresso and chassis flavours, underpinned by warming oak spice."

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 (Silver):
"Lovely aromas of black plum and ripe blackberry intertwined with hints of cocoa and graphite. The palate reveals a plush, yet balanced blend of black cherry, blackcurrant, and savoury cedar."

A shared success

Reflecting on the achievement, Chief Winemaker Julian Langworthy said:

“It’s a great thrill for myself and the Deep Woods team to have performed so well at the IWSC… It speaks very highly of the quality of the Margaret River region and that of Deep Woods Estate itself.”

Deep Woods’ continued success highlights the strength and elegance of Western Australia’s terroir, and its wines stand as a clear statement of the region’s place on the world stage.

See the full list of 2025 IWSC Western Australian gold medal-winners here.