Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2018 1.5L

Winery Background and History

Established in 1973 in Margaret River, Western Australia, Leeuwin Estate is one of the founding wineries of the region. Under the guidance of Denis and Tricia Horgan, and with mentorship from Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi, the estate quickly gained international acclaim. Leeuwin’s “Art Series” wines, introduced in the early 1980s, are renowned for their exceptional quality and for featuring labels adorned with works by contemporary Australian artists. The estate’s commitment to excellence has solidified its reputation as a producer of world-class wines.

Producer and Winemaker

The winemaking team at Leeuwin Estate is led by Chief Winemaker Tim Lovett, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Margaret River terroir. Lovett’s philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the unique characteristics of each vineyard block to shine through. His meticulous approach to viticulture and vinification ensures that each vintage of the Art Series wines reflects both the varietal purity and the distinctiveness of the region.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The grapes for the 2018 Art Series Chardonnay are sourced from Leeuwin Estate’s own vineyards, located in the southern part of Margaret River. This area benefits from a maritime climate, with cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean moderating temperatures and extending the growing season. The soils are predominantly gravelly loam, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the development of concentrated fruit flavors. These conditions are ideal for cultivating Chardonnay of exceptional quality.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2018 vintage was an excellent year across all varietals. Winter of 2017 was typically wet, with Chardonnay being the first variety to burst in late August. Flowering in all varieties was approximately ten days earlier than in vintage 2017. Spring was met by generally mild conditions, resulting in excellent set across most varieties. Summer was warm with very few hot days, and veraison occurred two weeks earlier than in 2017. 2018 was a spectacular year for flowering of the local Marri trees, which kept birds distracted from the ripening vineyards. Harvest commenced in the Riesling in the middle of February, followed by Chardonnay a week later. 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 barrel, the wine was blended and bottled. 

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Art Series Chardonnay displays a pale straw color with green hues. The nose is intense and complex, offering aromas of pear, white peach, lime curd, and custard apple, complemented by layers of brioche, grilled hazelnuts, cinnamon quill, shaved nutmeg, black cardamom, and almond meal. A thread of graphite in the background adds elegant complexity. On the palate, the wine is powerful and intense, with purity and clarity of primary fruit. There is penetration and drive with incredible shape and frame. The symmetry of layers, contours, and overall balance is precise. Pear, cut lime, and nectarine are definite throughout. Sweet spice and elegant oak use sit neatly with the fruit, underlined by a delicate acid line, leading to a palate with effortless length. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its richness and complexity complement seafood dishes such as grilled lobster or seared scallops. It also pairs well with poultry dishes like roast chicken or turkey. For vegetarian options, consider pairing it with creamy pasta dishes or mushroom risotto. The wine’s acidity and minerality balance the richness of these dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate the nuances of this wine, serve it at 10–12°C (50–54°F). Decanting for 30 minutes before serving is recommended to allow the wine to open up and reveal its aromatic complexity. Use large, Burgundy-style glasses to concentrate the aromas and facilitate aeration. This approach will enhance the wine’s bouquet and flavor profile, providing a more enjoyable tasting experience.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2018 Art Series Chardonnay is built for longevity and will reward cellaring. Stored under optimal conditions—cool, dark, and with consistent humidity—the wine will develop additional complexity over the next 10–15 years. Expect the emergence of tertiary flavors, such as honey, toasted nuts, and earthy notes, which will complement the existing fruit and oak characteristics. This evolution will add depth and sophistication to the wine’s profile.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• 100% Chardonnay

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5%

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 94 points

• Wine Spectator: 95 points