2003 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series |
| Vintage | 2003 |  | |
| Type | White | ||
| Producer | Leeuwin Estate (web) | ||
| Variety | Chardonnay | ||
| Designation | Art Series | ||
| Vineyard | n/a | ||
| Country | Australia | ||
| Region | Western Australia | ||
| SubRegion | South West Australia | ||
| Appellation | Margaret River | ||
| UPC Code(s) | 767749006501, 9313460002875, 9313460003278 |
| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Drinking window: Drink between 2008 and 2015 (based on 25 user opinions) | |
| Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series on the Wine Market Journal. |
| Community Tasting History |
Community Tasting Notes (average and median of 92 pts. in 108 notes) | |
| Tasted by Derek Darth Taster on 10/21/2023 & rated 93 points: Neighbourhood gang late night at Maison Dakota. Tasted blind. Drank in Gabriel Standart. Later revealed to be under screw-cap. Appearance is clear, medium intensity, yellow lemon colour. Legs. Nose is clean, medium+ intensity, with aromas of yellow flowers, integrated toast oak, ripe citrus lemon. Developed. On the palate, dry, medium acidity that gets flabby when warm, medium+ alcohol (14%), medium+ body. Medium+ flavour intensity, with flavours of ripe citrus lemon, yellow peaches, integrated toast oak, sweet cream and glycerin, Long finish. Very good quality. Lovely depth of flavours, notwithstanding the dipping acidity sensation. Time to drink up and enjoy. Very dry vintage, driest on record, but said to not be hot. (564 views) | |
| Tasted by asparagus on 10/21/2023 & rated 89 points: good but a bit meh. the acid was just not as high as i would have preferred. that said, it wasn't flabby even in light of the high alcohol and the oak. (462 views) | |
| Tasted by Niall Conlon on 8/27/2023 & rated 89 points: Right at the end of its window (448 views) | |
| Tasted by cliftonng on 5/5/2023 & rated 93 points: Under cork. My second and last bottle. I was expecting this to be tiring, but this bottle was superb. A nose of pear and citrus, creamy and buttery with waxy and herbal notes. The palate is rich, yet balanced and fresh, with minerality and racy acidity. This is right in the drinking window. I have found Art Series chardonnay to be underwhelwing in the past, but this has opened my eyes to the potential here. (633 views) | |
| Tasted by Wrighty on 2/5/2022: Beautiful golden hue. Buttery nose, hints of waxed lemons and some nuttiness. Pretty complex palate, some ripe yellow kiwi, more butter but all wrapped around a structured core which leads to a good clean finish (1630 views) | |
| Tasted by rikipedia on 9/7/2020 & rated 89 points: Terroir-istes International - Australia-Margaret River Chardonnay (Overgaauw Wine Estate): (Tasted Blind): Some development with mint, pineapple, spice and caramel. Still vibrant with a lively acidity, it is holding up, yet the caramel does start to infiltrate the wine, becoming like a humbug candy. However, a perfume scent also permeates it, and the acid structure seems to be holding even if it should have been drunk by now. Definitely offering more than expected. (140 views) | |
| Tasted by drjb on 1/11/2020 & rated 92 points: At Gusto Restaurant, Noosaville. This wine was sealed under Stelvin and is a deep green gold colour with a nose of yellow peach, Nashi pear, touches of lemon, pineapple and cashews with some nutmeg oak characters. The palate is unctuous and rich yet quite refined with lots of extract and tannin giving real grip and length. It perhaps lacks the distinction of the best years but equally shows real development that puts aside some of the concerns about long term Stelvin closures. (2862 views) | |
| Tasted by jlgnml on 10/7/2019 & rated 94 points: Darker color, great palate feel,and taste, coravined 6 weeks ago so this was the finish of the Btl, got better over time and warming up. Outstanding showing for a wine that can age. (2782 views) | |
| Tasted by Paul S on 2/2/2019 & rated 92 points: Lo Hei dinner at Peach Garden (Peach Garden, OCBC Building): First bottle in about 8 years - this has held admirably well. The nose was actually more attractive than to last couple of bottles, with sweet oak starting to recede, and more complex aromas of rich yellow fruit, a touch of florals, and a hint of mushroom and cream on the side. The palate was simpler than the nose promised, but was pleasant in its own way, with nicely fresh acidity framing bright flavours of yellow fruit and sweet lemons edged with sweeter tropical tones. It is a bit tamer and less in-your-face than before, which does the wine plenty of good. There was a little touch of minerality just starting to emerge as well. This has matured nicely. The finish just has a bit of ripe heat on it, but otherwise a nicely accomplished wine. (3301 views) | |
| Tasted by Mark Ho on 2/9/2018 & rated 80 points: Past it’s prime. More like a non sweet port. Very yellow appearance. (3819 views) | |
| Tasted by Nicthebuilder on 11/25/2017 & rated 95 points: nose of pears, white peach, baked lemon tart and lemon thyme. the palate is mouth filling and luscious, perfectly ripe stone fruits, pineapple, lemon curd, coconut, cashews and generously buttered honey toast. The finish is long and complex. Just a wonderful wine all round with plenty of life left in it. (3404 views) | |
| Tasted by stayhappy21 on 4/28/2017 & rated 94 points: Drank this at Extra Space, Boon Keng last night with a group of wine mates. Theme of the night: Aussie 2003. Bright straw yellow in colour with a fresh nose of apples, pears, peaches and nuts. The intensity of the wine is matched by the flavours and the acidity, giving it a wonderful balance and finish. This is a very good Chardonnay. One of the best labels from Australia. The fruits are balanced by the minerality, and it gradually evolved to produce more secondary notes comprising of pears and nuts. Wonderful! (3679 views) | |
| Tasted by milwaukeewino on 7/29/2016: Carmel on the nose. I think its gone. Palate isn't bad but it is all Carmel. (4213 views) | |
| Tasted by milwaukeewino on 7/8/2016: Man is this rather amazing. (4048 views) | |
| Tasted by wineguru57@yahoo.com.au on 6/2/2016 & rated 93 points: another fine example of the longevity of Leeuwin Chardonnay. too ripe to be burgundian, but exemplary fruit/oak and structure, delicious, and wont fall over for a few years. (3276 views) | |
| Tasted by Nicholas81 on 3/4/2016 & rated 94 points: Superb nose of minerals, stone fruit and butter. When blinded, most thought it was a Corton Charlemagne. The palate was slight flint with very intense and rich white stone fruits, florals and vanilla. The finish was pretty long and uniform with the rest of the wine. Fantastic at what some age can do to one of the best whites of Australia. (3621 views) | |
| Tasted by cliftonng on 1/17/2016 & rated 90 points: Complex nose with stone fruit still present. It is well balanced on the palate, with richness, buttery oak and a long finish. (2541 views) | |
| Tasted by V64 on 9/16/2015: Ladies Night - One was better than the other. The more oxidised showed on the nose and lacked the fruit intensity, smoothness of the other. Nose was complex , with secondary characters dominating, slightly raceno. Palate was long and was a great food wine on the night. (2674 views) | |
| Tasted by Collector1855 on 3/28/2015 & rated 94 points: During a wine diner. Medium yellow. The nose of this was extremely citrusy at first, almost too much. It mellowed then with a bit of air. More aromas of minerals and white fruit came, lemongrass, little oak. On the palate this was very fresh with rich fruit. Nothing heavy here. Chablis style. Great aromatic persistency. Also impressive for its age. (3312 views) | |
| Tasted by hargy on 2/26/2015 & rated 89 points: Certainly one of the best Australian chardonnays made with a gentle touch. It seems the fruit is starting to fade on the evidence of this bottle so drink soon. (2835 views) | |
| Tasted by mjf@ulkner on 1/14/2015 & rated 90 points: This still possesses rich, opulent fruit. A nice light touch of oak on finish. Elegant and satisfying. At peak (2705 views) | |
| Tasted by bibhau on 12/29/2014 & rated 93 points: This wine has a wonderful slightly dark golden color, buttery taste, soft tannins, we loved it. Getting near its end would suggest to drink now. I have 2 bottles left from the original case and will consume shortly. (2774 views) | |
| Tasted by Thilo on 11/23/2014 & rated 92 points: Color medium gold. Nose shows lemon oil, vanilla, and spice. On the palate, mature citrus and subtle spices framed by still prevalent oak. Finish is long and satisfying. A big chardonnay done very well. (2473 views) | |
| Tasted by hkm520240 on 7/26/2014 & rated 94 points: Light golden yellow, fresh and subtle bouquet of pear, peach, almond, yellow fruits, touch of vanilla with slight creamy character. It has mellowed down on palate, showing beautiful balance and harmony. Lemon curd, ripe pear, melon, slight nutty with toasty oak has fully integrated. Good palate weight and intensity with crisp acidity backbone and seamless mid-palate, it has shed some fats and shine with elegant mouthfeel. Lingering aftertaste, long and satisfying. Such an age-worthy Chardonnay, lovely. I found myself enjoy a lot more on the aged Art Series Chardonnay than when it is young. (2597 views) | |
| Tasted by Zweder on 3/24/2014 & rated 90 points: Weekly tasting group #112; a mixed set. (@ DJ): Expressive bouquet with a lot of yellow tropical fruits. Same on the palate. Limestone minerals, vanilla, some nuts, caramel and pleasant bitterness. Mild acidity. Good concentration and completely ready now. (2206 views) | |
| Tasted by rjonwine@gmail.com on 1/25/2014 & rated 94 points: Light medium yellow color; appealing, lemon curd, light lemon oil, almond, ripe pear, apricot nose; rich, creamy textured, lemon curd, lemon custard, mineral palate with medium acidity; long finish (708 views) | |
| Tasted by mclanew on 11/13/2013 & rated 95 points: I almost fell off my chair when I tasted this. It was still a baby showing almost no signs of age after ten years. Peach, touch of tropical fruit and minerals. Beautiful structure and subtlety on the finish. (3535 views) | |
| Tasted by johbev on 9/8/2013 & rated 94 points: Very nice at this point. Last bottle unfortunately. T (3899 views) | |
| Tasted by Ben Christiansen on 7/20/2013: Beautiful on the palate yet hazelnutty on the nose just after the cork pull. We will see where it goes but to me its time to fire them off and get it done! (3773 views) | |
| Tasted by Thilo on 4/21/2013 & rated 92 points: Really liked this. Has held up incredibly well. Color is a slightly chartreuse gold (typical for Leeuwin). Nose shows lemon oil and oak. On the palate, the fruit is still evident after 10 years, now more integrated with the Oak. A sense of roundness finishing with a nice acidity complete this very nice New World Chardonnay. (3871 views) | |
| Tasted by Alex H on 1/4/2013 & rated 88 points: Much fresher racier with Chablis like minerality and Limey acidity than the last bottle I had. Crisp chard with touch of richness but otherwise quite sleek and svelte. This bottle I noticed was stelvin screw cap while the previous two bottlings were cork closure. Hmmm it does make a difference for whites. (4322 views) | |
| Tasted by hkm520240 on 12/22/2012 & rated 93 points: HWZ wine lunch on Saturday afternoon (The University Club): Bright golden yellow, Fresh and expressive nose of pear, pineapple, tropical fruits and quite a strong toasty, buttery oak. Full on the palate and yet has good freshness, with ripe pear, pineapple and a hints of mineral. It has strong oak influence as it was aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months, but it was very well integrated and not taste like an oak monster at all. End with a nice and lingering finish. This bottle bottled with screw cap and taste very much different from drinking from a cork closure, this is more powerful, fresher and long contrast to the more developed, subtle and elegant palate of the cork closure. I am happy the remaining 2 more bottles I have are bottled in screw cap which I reckon can keep for another few more years. (3585 views) | |
| Tasted by WineDoctors on 11/16/2012 & rated 90 points: wow high acid: great with salmon tartare, creme fraiche. This is the last cork vintage, clear why they went to ml and oak, but love this chablis style. drink window is short, this could go on a decade. (2894 views) | |
| Tasted by ILarsen on 11/10/2012 & rated 91 points: A nice oaky buttery chardonay - lemon colour - medium+ body also medium acidty good finish - some minerality also clear - good long finish a very good wine. (2796 views) | |
| Tasted by lassus on 5/27/2012 & rated 94 points: Upon opening I was initially disappointed - seemed very flat and maybe past its prime. But within 15 minutes it resembled the wine that stunned me when I tasted it at the winery in 2006. A superb balance of fruit, acidity, and oak. Nearly a perfect Chardonnay to my taste. (3121 views) | |
| Tasted by Alex H on 3/11/2012 & rated 84 points: Oaky buttery lemon curd. High acidity but also very rich fruits. Big on all sides. Nice as expressive. Has limestone minerality at the tip. Still v napaish but better than last bottle. (3091 views) | |
| Tasted by clairenclarence on 3/5/2012 & rated 91 points: sign of aging.slightly over butterly.the citrus fruits nt vibrant enuff to balance the wine.its so much different tasted a yr ago.overall stil a decent bttl.overall remarks.for those who like butterly taste with decent citrus fruits,tis is the bttl (3308 views) | |
| Tasted by hkm520240 on 2/17/2012 & rated 91 points: Drank from cork closure. Light golden yellow, subtle nose of melon, tropical fruits and buttery oak. The palate is beautifully subtle and balance with tropical fruits, melon and hints of minerality. This bottle has aged so well and the oak was fully integrated. Very enjoyable at this moment and very much different from my previous experience from screw cap, fresh and robust. (2590 views) | |
| Tasted by jonradus on 2/5/2012 & rated 93 points: Decanted this badboy. Took a while to open up but when it did it was great. Tastes like a corton charlemagne. Lots of lemony goodness with great acidity and a monster mineral tone. This is a great wine. Wish I had more...a boatload more. Or maybe just a case. (2976 views) | |
| Tasted by St Paul on 1/20/2012 & rated 92 points: impressing. I had it blind and it is one of the best Australian Chards I ever had. Complex sweet fruit and good length. (3137 views) | |
| Tasted by paulfeeney on 12/22/2011 & rated 92 points: My favorite Australian white wine, with the expectations to match. But when compared to many other vintages this wine does not seem to be as well balanced, with oak a little too obvious - especially for a wine of 8 years (almost 9 years). That being said it is still a wonderful wine with a long palate and that classic silky mouth feel of aged whites. There was still some youn fruit at the front. I will continue to buy this wine. Recommend giving any leeuwin art series Chardonnay at least 7 years before approaching. (3409 views) | |
| Tasted by Zweder on 9/9/2011 & rated 92 points: Vertical of 15 vintages Latour followed by a 3* Michelin dinner and 11 magnums. (@ the Librije in Zwolle, Netherlands.): Beautiful and concentrated style with rip yellow fruits, a firm dose of oak and also fresh acidity. Complex, lush and well balanced wine. Ready now and the next few years. (1661 views) | |
| Tasted by WildeMeeuw on 9/9/2011 & rated 91 points: Verticaal Latour (De Librije, Zwolle): Leeuwin Chardonnay Art 2003 () Kleur: Medium goudgeel Aroma / bouquet: Wat meer rijp bouquet, wat steenfruit, rijp tropisch fruit maar met ruim voldoende fraicheur, beetje boenwas, behoorlijk wat hout maar prachtig geïntegreerd. Smaak / Afdronk: Vol, filmend en romig, mooie zuren, geen optimale balans, iets te royaal qua alcohol Algemeen / potentieel: Moeilijk te determineren, suggesties variëren van Chablis tot Noord Rhône. 50 + Kleur: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 11 + Smaak / Afdronk: 17 + Algemeen / potentieel: 8 = 91/100 (5116 views) | |
| Tasted by Sara & Marcus on 7/21/2011 & rated 95 points: One bottle was incredible, one bottle was flabby rubbish. (3599 views) | |
| Tasted by drjb on 6/13/2011 & rated 92 points: Deep green gold - unevolved. Nose beautiful white peach, citrus and nuts - complex at warmer end of spectrum. Palate weighty intense, touch of butter and warmth. Typical Leeuwin punch with dry extract and length from great fruit. Perhaps oak just a little too much for this vintage. (4080 views) | |
| Tasted by spaniel on 6/5/2011 & rated 92 points: Golden grumpy chardonnay. Don't listen to the others - this has still got a few years in it. (4159 views) | |
| Tasted by WineDoctors on 5/2/2011 & rated 91 points: with middle eastern chicken, baba ganoush, hummus, apple and lemon curd, light ml, beautiful finish and deep golden yellow (4188 views) | |
| Tasted by prufrocksabogado on 4/26/2011 & rated 91 points: Good but agree that it lacked the oomph factor of other vintages. (4441 views) | |
| Tasted by pizzler on 4/24/2011 & rated 90 points: Nice tasting well balanced wine, concentrated flavors of yellow fruits that stayed on the palate a long time. It didn't have the structure for long-term cellaring however. (4252 views) | |
| Tasted by Sleepy Dave on 4/1/2011: 2011 Simple Series V: Benchmark Aussies 10-Years and Older (The Moomba @ Circular Road): Alcohol :: 14% Heaviest dose of oak amongs three, earthy, ash and ripe yellow fruits too with almost smoky herb aromas. Fullest body amongst three with plenty of dry extract and strong acid spine, better depth and concentration of fruits compared to the 2002, very powerful finish, quite heavy that seems a little off balance. Toward the end of dinner, this wine is fading while the 2002 still alive. Buy - No. (4765 views) | |
| Tasted by Dbrane on 4/1/2011 & rated 85 points: Night of Benchmark Aussies (Moomba Restaurant): Crisp for a new world Chardonnay. Fairly dry with good minerality. Pity about the persistence though. More Chablis-like than Meursault. (4864 views) | |
| Tasted by Paul S on 4/1/2011 & rated 92 points: 2011 Simple Series V: Benchmark Aussies 10-Years and Older (The Moomba, Circular Road): A good, even very good new world Chard, but it was not quite as good as the classier 2002 on the same flight, and I do not think it will ever be. This was livelier on the nose - ripe lemons, white fruit, a touch of herb, some mushroom and slightly gentler bit of oak - more cream than toast here. Very nice. The palate was noticably riper than 2002, with a touch of glycerol floating around ripe yellow fruit somewhere between stone fruit and tropical notes I thought. It was crisper than the 2002, acidification maybe, but somehow less supple and integrated with the acidity and the fruit seeming a little disjointed the edges of the wine. Still, there is decent balance and a nice amount of substance here. The oak, which was well-controlled on the nose, was more obvious on the finish, with a layer of buttery toast. Overall, very good, but this needs some time yet. (4984 views) | |
| Tasted by hehimm on 3/7/2011 & rated 95 points: Deep golden color. Beautiful aromas of citrus. Grapefruit, apple, pineapple. Lively acidity. Years of aging left. Very well balanced. (4613 views) | |
| Tasted by Ben Christiansen on 1/30/2011: All in the same day '07, '03, '02 Art Series. This one very full bodied compared to the other two. Seems to have more of more or maybe we are just having it at the right time. (4467 views) | |
| Tasted by PatrikO on 1/25/2011 & rated 92 points: Hawksmoor lunch, my last bottle went down well with the grilled squid. Every bottle in this case have been good and it seems to age well, easily 5-10 years more in it. I guess Leeuwins success is the purity of the fruit with not too much oak. (4591 views) | |
| Tasted by mjf@ulkner on 11/17/2010 & rated 90 points: Rich ripe chardonnay. Tropical fruit cocktail flavors. An interesting coconut note on the finish. Drink over the short term as the acidity is beginning to fade. (4758 views) | |
| Tasted by TiggerK on 10/27/2010 & rated 93 points: Some oddly mixed reviews on this wine, I'd assume storage or transit heat could well be an issue for some. It's extremely good. Not super complex or funky like other high end aussies, but precise and interesting with everything in good balance. Was one of the stars of our recent chardonnay tasting. (4907 views) | |
| Tasted by TiggerK on 10/6/2010 & rated 92 points: Lovely wine, good balance now and ready to drink. (4919 views) | |
| Tasted by cookiefiend on 7/4/2010 & rated 92 points: This was my WOTN - delicious. Pineapple, lemon curd, and butterscotch. Full bodied with balanced acidity and a very long finish. (5546 views) | |
| Tasted by solace on 5/13/2010 & rated 80 points: Not as buttery and giving as expected. Lemon skins and slightly starchy/yakult-like on the nose - reveals this to be margaret river chardonnay. Very lean and mineral on the palate. Abrupt finish. Disappointing for an art series. (4961 views) | |
| Tasted by sfqwino on 12/17/2009 & rated 90 points: Lemon curd, oak, mushrooms, some pineapples, white flowers, stone fruits over thick, luscious, buttery texture. Good minerality and mid length finish. Quite satisfying if tasted blind, but knowing that it's a Leeuwin, it was a little disappointing. While there are some hints of the pedigree, I couldn't help but sense that the wine was a little stretched. Perhaps trying a little too hard? (4848 views) | |
| Tasted by Alex H on 11/8/2009 & rated 82 points: "ABB" bruncheon with JP; 11/3/2009-11/8/2009 (Asia Grand): Deep yellow. Lots of coconut oil on the nose! It smells like banana boat tanning oil. Lots of oak, delicious as it may be but not judiciously used. But it does show lots of character. Undeniably new world and a bit like one of those cultish napa chards. Fat, rich buttery and almost over indulgent. Sweet ripe fruits. I was somewhat dissapointed given its standing as one of the top chards of the new world. Re-tasted on the next day: Less but still obvious new oak with more noticeable lemon fruits now. Still very butterscotch and creamy. Falling flat quite quickly on the palate. This was not meant to be an ager. Lots of cosmetic work probably neccessary due to the heat of the vintage. Acidity is waning and does not balance out enough. It is quite delicious golden apples and most new world drinkers will fall head over heels with this but all said.. this probably was a difficult vintage to make. (5235 views) | |
| Tasted by 560 B&W on 8/22/2009 & rated 92 points: - silky oak - 92 - 158 au - nice age but still fresh; dry and lovely; european-styled; has a slight tartness, in a good way; mild minerality (977 views) | |
| Tasted by mjf@ulkner on 6/9/2009 & rated 91 points: Rich tropical fruits. Very New World but not over the top. Nice, but no match for the 2001. (4916 views) | |
| Tasted by Ben Christiansen on 5/7/2009: Out of sight. Strangely full bodied right now. With Lori because we were together and loving our friend Kara. (4951 views) | |
| Tasted by nzinkgraf on 2/4/2009: marvelous rich nose. all becoming of cereal grain. wonderfully in tune oak. dare i say quaffable for such a big wine. such a long finish. (4835 views) | |
| Tasted by Ben Christiansen on 2/4/2009: In the cold depths of winter I wanted something a little bit fatter. And this was a poor choice. The wine is, of course, excellent. That cinnamon and pear nose, and electric, streamlined body this vintage, it just wasn't quite what I was needing. Such is life. (4926 views) | |
| Tasted by mhurford on 2/2/2009 & rated 90 points: Finely oaked pineapple fruit, long, long finish. A very pleasant drop. (4706 views) | |
| Tasted by bibhau on 1/11/2009 & rated 90 points: We served one bottle at Christmas dinner, the result, a very young wine after 5 years, the color is very light needs more time to mature to its full tasting potential. Still believe 2 or more years in the cellar. (4737 views) | |
| Tasted by MichelBesner on 1/4/2009 & rated 96 points: Wonderful. Dried pears, apricots and a pleasant long finish with a citrus aftertaste. Was excellent with scallop ceviche ... (4767 views) | |
| Tasted by prufrocksabogado on 11/29/2008 & rated 93 points: Approachable now. Subtle fruits, lighter than big oak california chards. Suspect this will also reward further cellaring. (4248 views) | |
| Tasted by caboychuck on 11/26/2008: I was expecting a big over oaked Aussie chard. Well it is on the big side, but it was really enjoyable none the less. The balance is in check and it kept the wine together. Very, very good. (3983 views) | |
| Tasted by Ben Christiansen on 10/11/2008: Venturing in to the stash again! A quieter, harsh Art Chard with less give. We shall see how it opens up! After two hours being open still a sleeper compared to the 2004. More mineral and brininess. Quite tasty. A softer touch than 04. For a different mood. (3902 views) | |
| Tasted by wineismylife on 4/10/2008 & rated 92 points: Baird does Dallas! (Amici's in Carrollton, TX): WIML92-93? Tasted April 10, 2008. Opened and served immediately. Light yellow color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Light sulphur notes on the nose up front followed by notes of wet stones and a mix of yellow fruits. Flavors of yellow pears, yellow apples, minerals and just a whisper of creme on the medium to long finish. Medium acidity, medium to full bodied. Drink over the short term, maybe medium term if you press it. Pleasant wine. (4854 views) | |
| Tasted by paulst on 3/29/2008 & rated 91 points: Creamy nicely balanced with butterscotch. (4146 views) | |
| Tasted by Paul S on 3/8/2008 & rated 92 points: Excellent new world Chard, drank at Nicolas, Rachel's donation. Pale straw colour, very oaky nose at first, but with tons of beautiful fruit aromas that balanced it out - candied pineapple and citrus, lemony scents especially. Very linear in the mouth, with an unsually savoury character on the the front of the tongue, almost preserved sour-plum like, followed by a flush of apricot and then butterscotch from the oak and a good long finish with some minerality. This was big, but good acid throughout kept it fresh.It got better with time on the glass - one of the few wines that should be decanted I think. I enjoyed this very much. Slightly too new world and coarse for me, but as non super-pricey Burgs go, this was about as good as you can get. (4266 views) | |
| Tasted by Xavier Auerbach on 2/28/2008 & rated 96 points: Australian Meursault. Imagine a top-notch Perrières with an added tropical touch (aloë vera); great style, magnificent length, as good as it gets. Now - 2013. (2318 views) | |
| Tasted by NPWolfe on 1/11/2008 & rated 89 points: Nice bottle of wine. Lemon lime nose. Follows over into the taste, also green apple flavors. Nice feel in the mouth. Acid makes the wine bright in the mouth. Nice long finish with hints of oak and butter. Was really nice with fish. (4333 views) | |
| Tasted by ove on 12/26/2007 & rated 90 points: Had this during a white wine tasting. Served slightly too warm and the oak was overwhelming on the nose as well as on the palate. Not what I had hoped for, not balanced enough and not enought fruit. Acidity quite good though. Chardonnay no doubt and i Like them oaked but this didn't do it for me. (4333 views) | |
| Tasted by kstoddard on 9/28/2007 & rated 92 points: Oak on the nose. Pears, melon, guava, lemon and limestone. Very spicy. Nice, rich powerful finish. After a few glasses, this wine becomes a bit heavy. 13% alcohol. (4674 views) | |
| Tasted by PatrikO on 9/26/2007 & rated 92 points: Great Chard, oak very well integrated and nice notes of pear and peach. Reminds me of a mature Corton Charlemagne, I like it ,lots of fruit and and just enough oak. (4192 views) | |
| Tasted by reichken on 9/20/2007 & rated 88 points: dont really know what the fuss was about this tasted like a buttery cali chard (4348 views) | |
| Tasted by Wrighty on 9/18/2007 & rated 94 points: Dinner with Denis Horgan plus an Art Series Chardonnay vertical from 1997 to 2004 (Crown Wine Cellars (Hong Kong)): Golden yellow with hints of green. Some citrus and peach. Full soft palate with crisp long finish. (4800 views) | |
| Tasted by Happy Sommelier on 8/11/2007 & rated 94 points: Can Leeuwin Estate do not wrong? Another amazing vintage of what I consider the world's best new world Chardonnay. The wine is a tropical monster bomb on the nose, in the mouth, and in the finish. A flawlessly balanced wine that integrates fruit, oak, and acidity into a beautiful "juicy" wine that satisfies you throughout the tasting experience. On the nose we sniff a tropical melange of this wines trademark citrus driven pineapple. In the mouth the wine is thick and coats the mouth like tropical honey oil. The wine is high in alcohol at 14% and yet drinks extremely smoothly. This is a must for every serious wine taster. (1441 views) | |
| Tasted by EMichels on 5/18/2007 & rated 92 points: Very well balanced; Not as sweet as the prelude; Just enough acid but not as strong as most; Perhaps the best Chardonnay I've tasted; 5-11-17-9 (3697 views) | |
| Tasted by jswine15 on 3/17/2007 & rated 90 points: great white chard, good fruit, not too much oak. (3512 views) | |
| Tasted by donStrandini on 2/26/2007 & rated 90 points: Pale, greenish and clear. Moderate aromas - citrus/ lemon and salt water. Dry, medium body: initially hints of wood but good acidity, caramel and toast - developed very nicely during the evening. (3591 views) | |
| Tasted by Wrighty on 2/24/2007 & rated 92 points: Birthday trip to Australia; 2/21/2007-3/1/2007 (Margaret River and Perth): Soft nose with some peach and hints of soft oak. Palate is a little harsh showing a little more oak and good acidity. some quince and a long warm finish. (4196 views) | |
| Tasted by paulst on 12/6/2006 & rated 93 points: Wondeful frontal and lengthty dep rich apricot and honey/peach with a long lingering mineral cream finish. (3538 views) | |
| Tasted by Thilo on 11/23/2006 & rated 90 points: Color is medium gold. Nose shows pear, green fruit, citrus, and light oak. On the palate, this seems a bit lean at this point. Green Chardonnay fruit, spice, and a healthy dose of acidity. Feels tightly wound, should open with more time. (3789 views) | |
| Tasted by bibhau on 9/4/2006: Very nice but needs time perhaps a couple of years in the cellar, decanting opens it up after a couple of hours, has great potential. (3828 views) | |
| Tasted by Wrighty on 5/14/2006 & rated 94 points: Drank socially at a BBQ so not the greatest way to taste. Great aroma with pear and tropical fruit but think it's lacking something from the last two vintages. Lots of fruit but lacking some of the steely structure of the 01. Will have to try again as the general view was good. (3718 views) |
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Leeuwin EstateProducer web siteU.S. Importer (Addt'l Info) History Leeuwin Estate, one of the founding wineries of the now famous Margaret River district, consistently produces wines that rank with the world's finest. In 1972, following an extensive search for the area most suitable to produce the best varietal wines in Australia, legendary American winemaker, Robert Mondavi, identified the future site of the Leeuwin vineyard. Originally a cattle farm, Leeuwin Estate evolved, under the direction of Denis and Tricia Horgan, with Robert Mondavi acting as consultant and mentor. A nursery was planted in 1974 and the initial vineyards were deep-ploughed, deep-ripped, emptied of stone, planned, pegged, measured, marked and eventually planted by hand over a five year period from 1975. Featuring state-of-the art facilities, the winery building was opened in 1978, celebrating with a trial vintage. Leeuwin enjoyed its first commercial vintage in 1979, and was thrust into the international spotlight when Decanter Magazine gave its highest recommendation to the 1980 "Art Series" Chardonnay in an international blind tasting. Maintaining a team of highly skilled and dedicated winemakers, and now under the direction of two generations of the founding family, Leeuwin now exports to over 30 countries. Environment Leeuwin Estate, an iconic producer of premium wines made from grapes grown in the Margaret River region of Western Australia, recognises that its environmental responsibilities are of significant importance to its staff, suppliers, customers and the local community. As a family business the Estate is committed to managing the environmental effects of its operations through responsible stewardship, with the aim of maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations. To accomplish these goals Leeuwin Estate applies best practice standards for environmental management in all facets of the business. The Margaret River district features pristine white sandy beaches, spectacular coastline and amazing surf. It is surrounded by majestic karri forests, is nestled within picturesque farmland and enjoys a balmy temperate climate. Complemented by fine restaurants, art galleries and boutique luxury accommodation, Margaret River has spawned one of the world's most dynamic and innovative wine tourism industries. Located in the South West of Western Australia, approximately 280 km south of Perth, Leeuwin Estate enjoys a unique environment that is highly complementary to the production of high quality varietal wines. Less than 6 km from the ocean, Leeuwin Estate is approximately midway between Cape Naturaliste to the north and Cape Leeuwin, Australia’s most southwesterly point. The area between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin is one of the most ancient parts of the world. It became isolated when the continental crust split leaving a 100 km sedimentary basin between it and the mainland. Today the basin contains some of the world’s largest mineral sand deposits. This granitic island, where the Leeuwin vineyard is located, has weathered over millions of years and now provides us as vignerons with the ancient free draining gravel soils, which are highly complementary to the culture of the vine, as well as promoting great finesse in the wine. Leeuwin’s rainfall is dictated by the “Roaring 40’s” which move north in our winter and south in our summer, with the oscillation of the earth. 85% of rainfall is therefore received during the cooler six months. With oceans on three sides only changing water temperature by two degrees between summer and winter, the district has its own microclimate. Leeuwin’s vineyards are therefore protected from extremes of temperature and are frost-free during the critical spring growing period. The mean daily maximum and minimum temperatures during the summer season are very similar to those of Bordeaux. The significant difference however is that our season opens slightly earlier and closes slightly later, providing us with greater latitude to ripen our fruit, whilst also accommodating earlier ripening varieties such as Chardonnay. In all, the weather conditions in an “average” year in Margaret River equate to those that Bordeaux only enjoys occasionally in “great” years. From Fruit to Wine Great wines are born in great vineyards, and at Leeuwin the viticulturist and winemaker work hand-in-hand throughout the entire winemaking process, combining their skills to create wines of distinction. Careful study, and the eventual grafting of some vines has revealed the best varieties for the Leeuwin vineyard to be Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon; Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz make up the diversity of the vineyard, which also incorporates smaller plantings of varieties utilised for blending. Enjoying such an isolated and pristine natural environment, the emphasis of Leeuwin's viticultural practice is minimal interventionist. Working with the environment and through skilled vineyard management, Leeuwin is able to produce fine fruit in an environmentally friendly manner. Vineyards are kept balanced with the yearly environmental conditions. With the emphasis on quality rather than quantity, yields at Leeuwin are kept low. Boasting one of the most modern wineries in the Southern hemisphere, Leeuwin Estate offers its winemakers all the advantages of new age technology. Winemaking however is an art as well as a science, and it is here where the skills of the winemaker are carefully combined with technology to produce the wines that have been so highly acclaimed. Broadly following European winemaking techniques, Leeuwin is concentrating on achieving complexity, balance and longevity in its wines through a blend of modern and traditional methods. Temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, two Bucher Pneumatic presses, and a cellar of imported French oak barrels, are at the disposal of the winemaker to ensure that the fruit is transformed into the intended style of wine. Leeuwin Estate Wines Leeuwin Estate releases its wines under four labels, the Art Series, Prelude Vineyards and Siblings. Whilst the wines in each portfolio follow different lives, they all share a place amongst the great wines of Australia, receiving much international acclaim and attention. The “Art Series” represents Leeuwin’s finest wines from each vintage. The winemakers have always selected the optimum fruit, transforming it into Leeuwin’s highest quality and age-worthy wines. They are identified with paintings commissioned from leading contemporary Australian Artists. Whilst "Art Series" wines are designed to age and ultimately to be the most opulent, "Prelude Vineyards" wines are made from fruit producing the most readily expressive wines, with the objective that they will drink well soon after release. A Chardonnay and a Cabernet Merlot are released under this label. During the course of assessing fruit from the vineyards, the winemakers have found that certain blocks, and even certain rows in particular blocks, tend to consistently produce fruit best suited to either of the two styles of Cabernet and Chardonnay they make. The "Siblings" label represents wines intended for fresh early drinking. As a family business, this label celebrates the role the second generation of the Horgan family has played in the ongoing development of Leeuwin Estate. 2003 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art SeriesThe colour is bright straw with lime green hues.The fresh nose is typical Leeuwin, with lifted aromas of dried pear and ripe peach accompanied by hints of cashews and integrated French oak. These flavours combine into a finely balanced bouquet; the result of very low yielding vines matched with subtle winemaking to preserve the richness of the fruit. The palate displays the mouth filling and intense flavours of dried pears with the middle palate showing richness from both the fruit and the lees stirring. The length, always a feature of Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay, is long and full flavoured with a lingering fresh citrus finish. The new French oak complements the fruit providing a wonderful balance of warm toasty flavours on the finish. aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months ChardonnayThe Chardonnay GrapeAustraliaWine Australia (Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation) | Australian Wines (Wikipedia)Western AustraliaWine Regions of Western AustraliaMargaret Riverhttps://margaretriver.wine/ |