Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay "Art Series" 2021
(Margaret River, Australia) - [VM 98] [DM 98] [WA 97] [JS 97] [WS 96]
Regular price $141.00 Sale price $99.99 Save $41.01
Notes from the Winemaker:
Leeuwin Estate releases wines under the Art Series, Prelude Vineyards and Siblings labels. The Art Series represents Leeuwins most opulent and age-worthy wines and are identified with paintings commissioned from leading contemporary Australian Artists. Prelude Vineyards wines are made from fruit producing the most readily expressive wines, with the objective that they will drink well soon after release, whilst the Siblings label celebrates family lineage and the three generations now leaving their footprints on Leeuwin Estate. They all share a place amongst the great wines of Australia, receiving much international acclaim and attention.
Elevated, fragrant and perfumed, the nose is defined by chamomile, lemon myrtle, cherry blossom and ginger. A core and concentrated fruit spectrum of pear, lemon flesh and white nectarine provide the foundation. There is a graphite, flint, and chalk thread, combining with nutmeg and almond meal.
Energetic and well poised, an array of fresh lime and nashi pear is laced throughout. The palate is ethereal, mineral and defined with a presence of natural acidity. There is an enticing element of saline, wet stone and phyllitic characteristic that weaves within. The shape and frame on the palate is present and focussed with effortless length.
Ratings & Reviews
Light straw colour with a reserved lemon/grapefruit aroma, fresh and penetrating, the palate brisk and bright with vibrant acidity and intense grapefruit/lemon flavours that persist the full length of the very long palate. Superb vitality and balance. It promises to reward cellaring too. Tremendously concentrated and compact, with extreme drive and massive persistence, it positively vibrates with energy. Very cellarworthy, too. - (Huon Hooke, The Real Review)
98 Points - Vinous:
This stunning 2021 Margaret River Chardonnay Art Series shows beautiful racy lines with a slick and seamless style as it bursts with toasted cashews, melon, lemon peel and pith aromas lifted by mandarin rind. Fabulous fruit density with immense power yet retaining refinement and shape over a long, strong finish. Energetic, vibrant, perfectly formed and built for the long haul. (AH)
There’s always an anticipation when a new vintage arrives. This doesn’t disappoint – it’s archetypal Art Series: powerful, rich and layered with flavour from stone fruit, pink grapefruit and Meyer lemon to a touch of mandarin. The palate builds with creamy lees, oak spice and some phenolics – the oak is superbly integrated, and pure acidity leads this to a persistent finish. Impressive as always.
Still a baby, reductive notes of struck match and cashew nut perch atop lemon balm and melon characters. There's pithy, lemony zip and zing on the palate that's countered by a lick of toasty richness that makes it both refreshing solo and highly food friendly. Still young, it has at least another decade ahead of it. *Cellar Selection* (CP)