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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 90.7 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 98 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by NTR on 9/11/2021 & rated 93 points: Drinking beautifully. Soft and unctuous. Same nose as back in 2018 of currant and cassis with the cigar box a little more muted. Lovely at 19 years old - would NOT say past it’s prime…but right in it if you like aged Cabernet. Last of 12 but the best one. (1296 views) | | | Tasted by Wall_Bangers on 10/5/2019 & rated 93 points: Good cork. Decanted 2h prior to drinking
Still surprisingly fresh with herbaceous nose, dark fruits and softening tannins.
Really enjoyable. (2079 views) | | | Tasted by NTR on 9/24/2018 & rated 91 points: Good purple color. Little light on the edges. Current and cassis nose with tell tale cigar box. Very elegant taste with almost indiscernible tannins. Blue and blackberry. Not a lot of vanilla/oak. Some menthol.
Very pleasurable. (2472 views) | | | Tasted by hongjiu on 8/10/2018 & rated 89 points: Past its prime but still enjoyable. (2438 views) | | | Tasted by chatters on 4/26/2018: Leeuwin Estate Birthday dinner (with ringins) (Bitton Restaurant, Erskinville): Rich, a touch of soy, savoury red and black fruit, touch of leather and herbaceous notes. Spicy, earthy, juicy red and black fruit, silky tannins, okay. (2578 views) | | | Tasted by chatters on 4/16/2018: Coravin fun - Cornas and Leeuwin Estate (My place, Kent Street): From Coravin. Eucalyptus leaps from the glass backed by black tea, leather and spice over muted black fruit. The fruit is a little more forward on the palate though the herbaceousness dominates. There is some cream and vanilla here as well. Tannins are silky and more contained that the other wines this bracket. I kind of like it though. (1997 views) | | | Tasted by efeldhake@yahoo.com on 11/13/2017 & rated 88 points: Deep garnet in color. Nice nose of cherries, leather, and hint of moca. Tastes of cherries, tobacco, and tar on finish. Tannins are integrated. Slight astringency on a dry finish which makes me wonder if there was a storage issue. Much different than my last bottle which didn't have any astringency or bitterness on the finish. Ready to drink if not a little past prime. (1299 views) | | | Tasted by Zweder on 11/8/2017 & rated 91 points: Monthly Tasting Group HWS #123; Australia, Margaret River (By SB): Beautiful bouquet with red and dark berries, autumn forest, bell pepper, vanilla and eucalyptus. On the palate ripe red and dark berries, some green impressions, fresh and juicy acidity and mature tannin with still a pleasant bite. (1375 views) | | | Tasted by meatman on 8/14/2016 & rated 91 points: This has come around nicely. Tannins are fully integrated. Greenness is gone from the palate but still a little on the nose. Mature but still has life ahead of it. (2602 views) | | | Tasted by Col.Harding on 11/12/2015 & rated 90 points: nicely developed, balanced tannins, soft red fruits, an appealing wine (3224 views) | | | Tasted by BklynNeophyte on 10/23/2015 & rated 87 points: Sweet fruit, not a lot of tannins (3245 views) | | | Tasted by cigar52 on 10/19/2015 & rated 93 points: Last bottle was brickish while this (my last) was quite tannic but did open up beautifully after a half hour. (3311 views) | | | Tasted by cigar52 on 8/1/2015 & rated 92 points: Near the top of the hill at this time. I have one left and will figure in the next few months to finish this beautiful wine. (3621 views) | | | Tasted by gajalaa on 5/21/2015 & rated 91 points: Ruby Red color, Tobacco and licorice, nice tannins (2729 views) | | | Tasted by Whine-oh on 4/19/2014 & rated 89 points: Slow Oed for 45 min. A bit musty on nose at opening. Less prevalent by nights end, but still evident. Typical bordeaux palate. Plenty of fruit, mellow tannins. Not sure what more age will do for this? (4057 views) | | | Tasted by NTR on 2/15/2014 & rated 92 points: Pleasantly plum cherry nose with prominent graphite and mint notes....real full flavor with vanilla and eucalyptus wrapped around that same slightly burnt plum... Tannins very slight. Drinking great but not sure much life left. (4197 views) | | | Tasted by NTR on 2/1/2014 & rated 91 points: Nice meaty nose with deep berry plum.smooth tannins, nice fruit flavors, little tar on the finish. Still drinking well (4185 views) | | | Tasted by burgundyhound on 2/1/2014 & rated 92 points: Chewy and tannic on opening; softened considerably within hour. Deep and delicious. (4187 views) | | | Tasted by srositano on 8/14/2013 & rated 92 points: Excellent showing with 30 minute decant: Fruit has receded, but not gone. Perfect drinking window now. Nose good , palate excellent, finish shorter than previous openings, yet better overall experience. (4281 views) | | | Tasted by Davyd Chong on 3/17/2013 & rated 86 points: Unique taste, lots of grass, leafy, chlorophyll flavours on the palate, hints of limestone, black and red fruits, but finish wasn't too good. Left a slightly bitter, powdery, and dry taste on the back palate. (4638 views) | | | Tasted by meatman on 10/7/2012 & rated 88 points: Day 1...good, well-balanced bordeaux-like. Didn't get to on day 2. Day 3...fruit was gone. Very green and austere. (4744 views) | | | Tasted by sarciero on 8/31/2012 & rated 93 points: Drinking very nicely. Smooth and mellow; hard to imagine this getting much better. Beautiful color, fragrant nose and lingering finish. I wish I had more of this. (4992 views) | | | Tasted by NTR on 7/14/2012 & rated 91 points: Time to drink up. Smoothed tannins...mellowed as one poster noted...sour cherry, Blackberry, little green pepper. Very foodie Cabernet. Think drinking window is wide open. (5036 views) | | | Tasted by Texas Jerky on 6/22/2012 & rated 92 points: Has mellowed finely and gotten balanced, even delicate. (5028 views) | | | Tasted by johnnyrichardson on 5/6/2012 & rated 88 points: Miinty, dark red fruit, tannins fully resolved, so drink soon. Nice (4767 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Gary Walsh
The WINEFRONT (6/23/2007)
(Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon) Subscribe to see review text. | By James Halliday
Halliday Wine Companion (3/8/2007)
(Leeuwin Estate Art Series Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon) Subscribe to see review text. | By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, July/August 2006, IWC Issue #127
(Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series Margaret River) Subscribe to see review text. |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of The WINEFRONT and Halliday Wine Companion and Vinous. (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.
Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art SeriesTHE STORY
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is made up of the Houghton clone and a touch of malbec. Batch vinification is followed by maturation in new (50%) French oak and one-year-old “chateau” barrels for up to 24 months. In classic southern Margaret River style, this wine is typified by blackcurrant, cassis and tobacco leaf aromas, underlying savoury, new oak and muscular, fine tannin structures.
Top Vintages Langton's Classification Outstanding
2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001, 1997, 1995, 1991.Cabernet SauvignonCabernet Sauvignon is probably the most famous red wine grape variety on Earth. It is rivaled in this regard only by its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot, and its opposite number in Burgundy, Pinot Noir. From its origins in Bordeaux, Cabernet has successfully spread to almost every winegrowing country in the world. It is now the key grape variety in many first-rate New World wine regions, most notably Napa Valley, Coonawarra and Maipo Valley. Wherever they come from, Cabernet Sauvignon wines always seem to demonstrate a handful of common character traits: deep color, good tannin structure, moderate acidity and aromas of blackcurrant, tomato leaf, dark spices and cedarwood.
Used as frequently in blends as in varietal wines, Cabernet Sauvignon has a large number of common blending partners. Apart from the obvious Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the most prevalent of these are Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carmenere (the ingredients of a classic Bordeaux Blend), Shiraz (in Australia's favorite blend) and in Spain and South America, a Cabernet – Tempranillo blend is now commonplace. Even the bold Tannat-based wines of Madiran are now generally softened with Cabernet SauvignonAustralia Wine Australia (Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation) | Australian Wines (Wikipedia)Western Australia Wine Regions of Western AustraliaMargaret Riverhttps://margaretriver.wine/ |
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