Leeuwin Estate
Leeuwin Estate, based in Margaret River, is renowned for its premium wines, particularly the Art Series Chardonnay, which has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic white wines. Established in 1975 by the Horgan family, this family-owned estate balances tradition and innovation, crafting wines that reflect the distinctive terroir of Western Australia.
History of Leeuwin Estate
The history of Leeuwin Estate is marked by a visionary transformation. In 1972, Californian wine icon Robert Mondavi visited the Horgan family’s cattle farm in Margaret River and identified it as prime vineyard land. Inspired by Mondavi’s advice, Denis and Tricia Horgan reimagined the property and established Leeuwin Estate with a commitment to crafting exceptional wines. By 1980, Leeuwin released its first vintage of Art Series Chardonnay, quickly gaining international acclaim when Decanter magazine recognized it among the world’s finest white wines.
Since this remarkable beginning, Leeuwin Estate has grown under the guidance of two generations of the Horgan family. The Art Series wines, particularly the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, consistently receive high ratings and awards, helping to establish Margaret River as a premier wine region. Today, Leeuwin remains a family-owned winery where the second generation, including Justin Horgan and Simone Furlong, have taken on leading roles, ensuring that Mondavi’s legacy of quality endures.
Region and Vineyards
Located in Western Australia’s Margaret River region, Leeuwin Estate benefits from a unique maritime climate characterized by warm days and cool nights, which allows for a gradual, balanced ripening process. This climate is especially beneficial for white varieties like Chardonnay, allowing for a fine balance between fruit intensity and refreshing acidity. The estate’s vineyards feature gravelly, sandy loam soils over granite, which offer excellent drainage and a mineral complexity that enhances the structure and finesse of the wines.
One of the estate’s prized blocks, Block 20, is home to the Gin Gin clone Chardonnay vines. This clone, now over 25 years old, is renowned for its vibrant acidity and concentrated varietal flavors, contributing to the signature intensity of Leeuwin’s wines. The vineyards are managed with minimal intervention, allowing the unique terroir of Margaret River to shine through each vintage. Additionally, the proximity to the Indian Ocean brings cooling breezes, which help to preserve the natural acidity of the grapes, further enhancing the wine’s elegance and complexity.
Wine Range
Leeuwin Estate offers a distinguished portfolio across three distinct ranges:
- Art Series: Known for its complexity and aging potential, the Art Series includes flagship wines like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Riesling. These wines are also celebrated for their unique labels, each adorned with original artwork by prominent Australian artists.
- Prelude Vineyards: This range, focused on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, offers expressive, fruit-forward wines suitable for earlier drinking yet crafted with balance and depth.
- Siblings Range: This approachable collection features styles such as Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, crafted in honor of the Horgan family’s second generation.
Did You Know?
The Art Series Chardonnay has achieved “Exceptional” status in Langton’s Classification, Australia’s most prestigious wine ranking. Additionally, the estate hosts annual concerts in its vineyards, drawing music and wine lovers alike to experience this unique fusion of culture and nature.
Australia
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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2022
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz is a captivating expression of Margaret River's terroir, blending structure, elegance, and complexity into a seamless wine experience. Crafted with meticulous precision, this Shiraz is enhanced with small amounts of Viognier and Malbec, adding vibrancy and depth.
Art Series Shiraz 2022
37,90 €
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Australia
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Leeuwin Estate Sparkling Brut 2022
Leeuwin Estate Sparkling Brut is a delicate and refined sparkling wine, showcasing the elegance of Margaret River’s terroir. Crafted in the traditional method, it offers a perfect harmony of citrus vibrancy and mineral complexity.
Sparkling Brut 2022
50,90 €
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Australia
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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a meticulously crafted wine, embodying the elegance and complexity of Margaret River's terroir. Its floral aromatics, dark fruit intensity, and silky tannins make it a standout vintage in the Art Series collection.
Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
62,50 €
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Australia
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Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020 is an exemplary Margaret River Chardonnay, offering depth, minerality, and a precise structure. With notes of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle oak, this wine embodies finesse and vibrancy.
Art Series Chardonnay 2020
105,00 €
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