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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 92.4 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 67 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by aarone3333 on 7/28/2023 & rated 96 points: Mid straw colour, green tints, showing no sign of age whatosever.
Nose leaps out of the glass. Custard apple, pineapple, lemon curd, icy butter, faintly spicy, vibrant and fresh.
Explosive palate, intensity plus, fresh, almost spiky acidity. Grapefruit, white peach, almond, subtle vanilla. Incredibly powerful but not overdone, goes on forever. Grand Cru quality without doubt, and with the price of Grand Cru White Burgundy these days, it's an easy choice for me.
What a wine. Last bottle unfortunately, still coasting along very slowly. (622 views) | | | Tasted by mrwineface on 12/30/2022 & rated 94 points: Deep, golden colour. This has notes of honey, cantaloupe, grapefruit, peach - very well balanced and long. Delightful. (867 views) | | | Tasted by mphatic on 1/16/2022: Screwcap, 13.5% alc. Youthful, bright, lemon-green colour.
So much complexity and interest on the nose, with oatmeal, peach, grapefruit, smoke, pair, Hazelnut, vanilla, and lemon.
Rich on the palate yet measured, balanced, and very long. Not overt or flabby. Excellent concentration on the finish. Fleshy and juicy with phenolic interest. Delicate acidity.
Opinion: A lot of Chardonnay here, and lots of life left. Excellent LEAS. (641 views) | | | Tasted by aarone3333 on 9/17/2021: Light yellow, green tints. Classic Leeuwin pineapple, white peach, lemon curd, stone fruits. Oak has integrated, palate still has the usual explosive fruit, instantly mouthfilling, crunchy acidity, incredible length. Opened up over a few hrs- lemon tart, soft and full, but super focused, no flabbiness evident.
For me, Leeuwin is at its best as a cellaring proposition at 13.5% alc (not higher). Glorious, now to 2030.
96 pts (1814 views) | | | Tasted by mphatic on 9/6/2020: Screwcap, 13.5% alc. No formal notes taken.
Vibrant yellow. Grapefruit, cashew, cedar, pineapple and lemon.
Powerful flavour profile. Beautiful mouthfeel. Superb balance between fruit and oak.
Wonderful wine. Good drinking now. (1997 views) | | | Tasted by Wrighty on 5/23/2020 & rated 92 points: Bright light colour. Hints of meadow grass and lemon peel on the nose. Roasted lemons on the palate but the overall roundness and balance of this wine is what stands out. This has come together as a wonderful wine. (2068 views) | | | Tasted by Darke Peak on 12/24/2019 & rated 97 points: Bright colour, defies its age. Wood shavings, buttered popcorn, lemon curd. Beautifully integrated fruit, oak and acid. At its peak but will still be drinking we’ll in 2-3 years. Don’t serve too cold. Ideal at 12-18C. Decant 1 hour if possible. (1923 views) | | | Tasted by Wrighty on 11/10/2018 & rated 92 points: Still bright and clear with a green tinge to it. Nose is buttery and some oak and a little kiwi lurking in the background. Almost no signs of age!
More of the same on the palate plus good acidity and an amazingly long finish that just holds its note!
No need to open another one of these for a few years. (2536 views) | | | Tasted by Michael Brooks on 9/23/2018 & rated 96 points: Delicious and fresh. Beautifully integrated oak (1962 views) | | | Tasted by beatles on 7/27/2018 & rated 92 points: Tasted over two days; starts out crisp bright, very young, accents on the fresh fruit and the acidity. On day 2 broader, richer, still very enjoyable. Would hold this ...
#Kandestederne (2276 views) | | | Tasted by Claret & CdP Gang on 5/6/2018 & rated 93 points: Complex bouquet of tropical fruits pineapple, apples followed by beeswax & honey, still young with the acidic backbone, very elegant & the best Art series that I’ve tried
93 (2223 views) | | | Tasted by acheng on 3/30/2018 & rated 92 points: Again, showing very well. Still young with orchard fruit, minerality and spiny acidity. (2017 views) | | | Tasted by JimN on 12/28/2017 & rated 92 points: Not as evolved as the 2007 and may never develop the weight and depth. Like a young Burgundy. Muted flavors with marked minerality. Probably should have decanted. Hold. (2046 views) | | | Tasted by Jeremy Holmes on 9/19/2017: Drinking very nicely under screwcap. On the nose there's some toast, cashew, vanilla and ripe peach. It is dense, unctuous and sappy in the mouth with powerful orchard fruits and plenty of spice. It has excellent intensity and finishes with some tart tangerine rind. (2294 views) | | | Tasted by deverett on 3/31/2017 & rated 92 points: A much better showing this time, still has the Leeuwin plushness and yes there is creamy oak but there is also great poise and balance through the finish. Feels. Little less heavy than I recall, ripe peaches, cashews, lanolin and an untiois texture and mouthfeel. Almost 10 years old but has the goods for longer cellaring I think. (2295 views) | | | Tasted by meatbomb013 on 12/25/2016 & rated 94 points: First experience with this wine. I bought this 5 or 6 years ago and have been holding on to it. Christmas dinner was a great time to give it a go. Well worth the wait. Great balance of fruit, flowers, creamy texture, and acidity. Awesome now and likely has some years left to shine. Wish I had more. (2355 views) | | | Tasted by milwaukeewino on 7/29/2016: Now this is just rocking. Carmeling and spicy but just right there. Not in a sherry old way. (2508 views) | | | Tasted by acheng on 4/10/2016 & rated 92 points: Drinking very nicely. Beautiful Chardonnay fruit supported by minerality and creamy butteriness. QPR is pushing it a bit though. (2757 views) | | | Tasted by Andrew67 on 2/2/2016 & rated 94 points: Lovely wine, absolutely humming at the moment. Had this on my birthday with a picnic in the park, looking out over Sydney Harbour. Citrus and melon, with a little creaminess, lovely oak and good acidity. good mouthfeel without being over the top. Unfortunately my last bottle, especially as this will continue for at least another 5 years. (2635 views) | | | Tasted by Redback on 12/31/2015: Turning to Gold. Light delicate stone fruit chardy flavours. A good wine. (2298 views) | | | Tasted by deverett on 10/6/2015 & rated 86 points: Wasn't happy with this bottle, showing way too much oak and carrying too much fatty weight. Hoping just a not perfect bottle. (2511 views) | | | Tasted by Andrew67 on 7/4/2015 & rated 93 points: Delicate flavours with grapefruit, honeydew melon and kiwi, with a buttery vanilla undercurrent. Acidity and oak in balance. Wonderfully structured with amazing length. Has many years in front of it. (2340 views) | | | Tasted by tinybubbles on 4/19/2015 & rated 90 points: Quite high acidity. Citrus, pineapple, with light background floral. Consumed without food which is not the best path for this wine. Less prominent wood than prior bottle. (2319 views) | | | Tasted by tinybubbles on 2/1/2015 & rated 92 points: Lemon, apricot and grapefruit balanced by still noticeable oak on the nose and palate. Crisp acidity and a stoniness round out the palate. Still a little too much noticeable wood for me, but that should moderate over time. Consumed over 1.5 hours with a light savory cod dish, but this wine would pair well with a variety of foods. Better after an hour of air time and warming to room temperature. (2445 views) | | | Tasted by frapey on 12/27/2014 & rated 89 points: Sterling drop. (2375 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Julia Harding, MW
JancisRobinson.com (1/2/2014)
(Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Chardonnay Margaret River White) Subscribe to see review text. | By Richard Hemming, MW
JancisRobinson.com (6/25/2012)
(Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Chardonnay Margaret River White) Subscribe to see review text. | By Julia Harding, MW
JancisRobinson.com (1/26/2012)
(Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Chardonnay Margaret River White) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (11/24/2011)
(Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Chardonnay Margaret River White) Subscribe to see review text. | By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, July/August 2011, IWC Issue #157
(Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series Margaret River) Subscribe to see review text. | By Gary Walsh
The WINEFRONT (6/9/2011)
(Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay) Subscribe to see review text. | By James Halliday
Halliday Wine Companion (2/6/2011)
(leeuwin estate art series margaret river chardonnay) Subscribe to see review text. | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (6/18/2012)
(Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series) Light yellow color; almond, peach, white flower, jasmine nose; tasty, rich, poised, almond, peach, nectarine palate with nice texture; medium-plus finish 90+ points 90 points |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of JancisRobinson.com and Vinous and The WINEFRONT and Halliday Wine Companion and RJonWine.com. (manage subscription channels) |
| Leeuwin Estate Producer web site
U.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.
Chardonnay The Chardonnay GrapeAustralia Wine Australia (Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation) | Australian Wines (Wikipedia)Western Australia Wine Regions of Western AustraliaMargaret Riverhttps://margaretriver.wine/ |
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