Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019 1.5L

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1973 by Denis and Tricia Horgan in Margaret River, Western Australia, Leeuwin Estate quickly gained international acclaim with guidance from Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi. The estate’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. Leeuwin Estate remains family-owned, with a commitment to excellence that has solidified its reputation as a producer of world-class wines.

Producer and Winemaker

Chief Winemaker Tim Lovett leads the winemaking team at Leeuwin Estate, bringing 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 varietal purity and regional distinctiveness.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The Chardonnay grapes for the 2019 Art Series are sourced from Leeuwin Estate’s Block 20 vineyard, situated just south of the Margaret River township. 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 2019 vintage underwent 100% barrel fermentation in new French oak barriques, followed by 11 months of maturation in the same barrels. This process imparts complexity and structure to the wine while preserving the purity of the fruit. The wine was then bottled under screw cap to maintain its freshness and integrity.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 Art Series Chardonnay displays a brilliant pale straw hue. On the nose, it offers aromas of lime curd, poached pear, lemon flesh, and white nectarine, complemented by notes of jasmine, lime blossom, and ginger. The palate is bright and energetic, featuring flavors of lemon, lime, and pear skin, with underlying notes of oyster shell and saline. The wine’s structure is supported by a precise mineral acidity, leading to a long, elegant finish.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood dishes such as grilled lobster, seared scallops, or pan-fried white fish. Its vibrant acidity and complex flavor profile also complement poultry dishes like roast chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian option, consider pairing it with creamy mushroom risotto or a rich butternut squash soup. The wine’s balance and depth enhance the flavors of these dishes, providing a harmonious 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 medium-sized, tulip-shaped white wine 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 2019 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: 95 points

• Wine Spectator: 95 points

• Wine Advocate: 98 points

• Robert Parker: 98 points

• James Suckling: 94 points