Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019

“This very impressive 2019 Margaret River Chardonnay Art Series from a benchmark winemaker is a baby and built for the long haul. It’s tightly wound and bursting with youthful vitality thanks to exceptionally precise melon, citrus and floral aromas. There is a rare combination of seamlessness and power – a steel fist in a velvet glove – with oak perfectly matched. Fantastic fruit volume follows yet the wine also remains light on its feet with a long line of flavours slowly emerging including praline, nougat, citrus and spicy oak through to a finish of immense length. A true classic. Drinking window: 2024-2035. 96 points

Leeuwin Estate was one of the first Margaret River wineries to put the region on the international wine map thanks to their iconic 1987 Chardonnay Art Series. The winery’s success was a long time coming, the Horgans having bought the property back in 1969. A chance meeting with Robert Mondavi soon after in 1972, convinced the Horgans to plant a vineyard with Mondavi consulting for some years after. The Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series was for many years Margaret River’s leading Chardonnay and remains a local benchmark, although today it faces much stiffer competition. The real movers at Leeuwin Estate in recent years have been the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series which show this winery is no one trick pony.”

Angus Hughson, Vinous (09/22)