Wine Article
2015 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series
Last edited on 12/15/2018 by LindsayM
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Margaret River, Western Australia 750ml 14%
Since it's first commercial vintage back in 1979, Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay has taken all before it and is now recognised as a benchmark Chardonnay on the international stage. The newly released 2015 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay is once again Australian Chardonnay at its very best; drinking superbly now it has the structure to last for at least the next decade. Stocks of this year's release are very limited and are sure to again sell out quickly.
"Classical pear skin, lime and white peach fruit spectrum defines the nose, amidst sweeter notes of nougat, sesame brittle and brioche. It is concentrated and complex with subtle fragrant jasmine and savoury flint and wet stone. A tightly directed palate, yet with enviable length. Woven layers of lemon curd, cut lime and grapefruit pith penetrate throughout the palate with a distinctive mineral thread. Delicate oak use presents gentle complexing notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and hazelnuts." - Leeuwin Estate.
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol %: 14.0%
Average Brix: 23.0 - 23.5
Oak Maturation: 11 months
Final pH: 3.11
Final Acid: 6.93 G/L
Harvest Date: 21/09/16 - 23/09/16
Release Date: 01.05.2018
Cellaring Potential: 15 years
TASTING NOTE
Classical pear skin, lime and white peach fruit spectrum defines the nose, amidst sweeter notes of nougat, sesame brittle and brioche. It is concentrated and complex with subtle fragrant jasmine and savoury flint and wet stone.
A tightly directed palate, yet with enviable length. Woven layers of lemon curd, cut lime and grapefruit pith penetrate throughout the palate with a distinctive mineral thread. Delicate oak use presents gentle complexing notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and hazelnuts.
THE YEAR
Winter and spring rainfall was modest and well below average. Spring was generally fine, allowing for good flowering conditions throughout November. Early summer was also generally fine, and afternoon sea breezes were strong and constant. January and February temperatures were slightly above average, but with only several non-concurrent hot days experienced. A welcome and significant 90mm of rain fell in January, setting up unirrigated vineyards for the remainder of the season. March and April temperatures were close to average; reflected in the slowing down of ripening over mid-late vintage. As one of the best all round vintages seen, Chardonnay was a standout variety. It is typically showing incredible balance of power, long length, and an elegant finish. Resulting wine shows very good palate density and intense varietal lifts.
VINIFICATION
Cool destemmed fruit with some skin contact. The juice was settled for 3 days, racked and inoculated with yeast. 100% of the juice was barrel fermented in new French oak barriques and the lees stirred regularly. After 11 months in barrels the various components were blended, fined, cold stabilized and bottled.
Since it's first commercial vintage back in 1979, Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay has taken all before it and is now recognised as a benchmark Chardonnay on the international stage. The newly released 2015 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay is once again Australian Chardonnay at its very best; drinking superbly now it has the structure to last for at least the next decade. Stocks of this year's release are very limited and are sure to again sell out quickly.
"Classical pear skin, lime and white peach fruit spectrum defines the nose, amidst sweeter notes of nougat, sesame brittle and brioche. It is concentrated and complex with subtle fragrant jasmine and savoury flint and wet stone. A tightly directed palate, yet with enviable length. Woven layers of lemon curd, cut lime and grapefruit pith penetrate throughout the palate with a distinctive mineral thread. Delicate oak use presents gentle complexing notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and hazelnuts." - Leeuwin Estate.
Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol %: 14.0%
Average Brix: 23.0 - 23.5
Oak Maturation: 11 months
Final pH: 3.11
Final Acid: 6.93 G/L
Harvest Date: 21/09/16 - 23/09/16
Release Date: 01.05.2018
Cellaring Potential: 15 years
TASTING NOTE
Classical pear skin, lime and white peach fruit spectrum defines the nose, amidst sweeter notes of nougat, sesame brittle and brioche. It is concentrated and complex with subtle fragrant jasmine and savoury flint and wet stone.
A tightly directed palate, yet with enviable length. Woven layers of lemon curd, cut lime and grapefruit pith penetrate throughout the palate with a distinctive mineral thread. Delicate oak use presents gentle complexing notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and hazelnuts.
THE YEAR
Winter and spring rainfall was modest and well below average. Spring was generally fine, allowing for good flowering conditions throughout November. Early summer was also generally fine, and afternoon sea breezes were strong and constant. January and February temperatures were slightly above average, but with only several non-concurrent hot days experienced. A welcome and significant 90mm of rain fell in January, setting up unirrigated vineyards for the remainder of the season. March and April temperatures were close to average; reflected in the slowing down of ripening over mid-late vintage. As one of the best all round vintages seen, Chardonnay was a standout variety. It is typically showing incredible balance of power, long length, and an elegant finish. Resulting wine shows very good palate density and intense varietal lifts.
VINIFICATION
Cool destemmed fruit with some skin contact. The juice was settled for 3 days, racked and inoculated with yeast. 100% of the juice was barrel fermented in new French oak barriques and the lees stirred regularly. After 11 months in barrels the various components were blended, fined, cold stabilized and bottled.