Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

 

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Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : Margaret River
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Fruity Medium Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 95 2021
JH James Halliday 97 2019
JS James Suckling 95 2018
WE Wine Enthusiast 94 2018
WS Wine Spectator 93 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Margaret River region, located in Western Australia, is celebrated for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Leeuwin Estate benefits from a mild maritime climate, with cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean ensuring consistent ripening and preserving natural acidity.

The 2021 growing season began with a wet winter, replenishing soil moisture levels. A warm yet moderate summer followed, with minimal heat spikes. The long, sunny days and cool nights during harvest in March and April allowed for a prolonged ripening period, fostering ripe tannins and intense flavors. The vines’ Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec components thrived, showcasing terroir-driven purity.

Winemaking

The 2021 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec, carefully harvested at peak ripeness. Following individual berry sorting and cold soaking, fermentation was conducted in closed fermenters at controlled temperatures between 26°C and 30°C. Extraction techniques such as daily pump-overs enhanced flavor and tannin integration.

Malolactic fermentation occurred entirely in barrels, followed by an initial maturation of 9 months. The wine was then blended and returned to French Bordelaise coopered barriques for a total of 22 months of oak aging, with periodic seasonal rackings to refine its structure and complexity.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep ruby with garnet hues.
  • Aroma: A perfumed bouquet of blackcurrants, dark cherries, and florals like lavender and basil flowers, complemented by spice notes of anise, clove, and cardamom. Earthy undertones of iodine, saline, and petrichor add complexity.
  • Palate: A vibrant profile with flavors of forest fruits, cedar, and graphite, underscored by a distinct minerality. The fine-grained silky tannins and well-integrated acidity create a structured yet elegant finish.

Did You Know?

The Art Series collection is renowned for pairing its exceptional wines with original Australian artwork. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon label features a piece by Ildiko Kovacs, titled Hymn, which reflects the wine’s harmony and depth.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Slow-cooked beef brisket: The wine’s tannic structure and earthy notes complement the richness and savory profile of the dish.
  • Lamb chops with rosemary and garlic: The dark fruit flavors balance the meat’s gamey qualities, while the wine’s spice nuances echo the herbs.
  • Aged Gruyère cheese: The creamy, nutty character of the cheese pairs beautifully with the wine’s minerality and smooth tannins.
  • Mushroom and truffle risotto: The earthy umami flavors highlight the wine’s depth and complexity.

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.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2021)
The 2021 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon will be released in the winter of 2024, and it's an interesting timeline, given the 2020 will be released this February. The 2021 season in Margaret River was frequently wet, and as a result, the character of the red wines is lighter in body and fruit weight. This 2021 wine is lighter in the glass than the 2020 (no surprise, given berry sizes in general in 2020), and the nose introduces dried herbs and exotic spice, alongside the raspberry, cassis and nori. Block 8 and block 9, which make up the backbone of this wine, are dry-grown, and this is an important point in the years that are markedly wet (2021, 2006) and dry (2024, 2022, 2020, etc.). On the palate, the wine is perfumed and fine, lightweight and flowing. It's a beautiful wine to drink now, thanks to its powdery tannins. It's all about the tannins here; it's whippy, like fresh new growth on a plant. I would drink this anytime from release; it offers tremendous pleasure just as it is. Sealed under screw cap.

James Halliday (JH) : 97 Points (2019)
It’s masterful to craft a wine that is structured, detailed, powerful and concentrated, and yet, it feels effortless. Mulberries, cassis, warm spices, violets and cedary oak come together in harmony while the tannins sashay across the palate. Flavors persist, as does the finish, and it will age beautifully but hard to resist now. Impressive wine.

James Suckling (JS) : 95 Points (2018)
A complex and layered nose of blackcurrants, fresh mint, pine cone and red licorice. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, structured tannins. Succulent and well constructed with a solid core of black fruit. Leafy herbs and black tea character add welcome depth. Delicious. So attractive right now but will age wonderfully. 97% cabernet sauvignon and 3% malbec.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 94 Points (2018)
This is a sturdy, plush vintage of Art Series with a long life ahead of it. It’s a touch austere at the moment, with some sweet oak showing and pinched acidity, but the distinctive varietal and regional character still shines. A lovely, warming earthy spice backs sleek aromas of black cherry, cassis, cedar, mint, olive brine and sea spray. Tannins are spicy and sinewy, muscular but still in a supportive role, allowing the juicy fruit to star. Best After 2023. Cellar Selection.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2018)
Dense and wonderfully juicy, with the tannic structure drawing you into a mix of intense cassis, huckleberry, clove, chai tea, dried black olive and smoked paprika. Presents a pretty thread of dried rose petal, with dried herbs lingering on the long, expressive finish.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2022
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Riesling 2022
RP
92
JS
92
WE
92
Known for its finesse, Art Series Riesling combines intense aromatics with a quartz-like texture, making it a quintessential choice for lovers of structured, mineral Rieslings.
23,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2022
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Shiraz 2022
RP
95
DCT
95
JS
93
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.
37,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Chardonnay 2019
WS
95
RP
98
JH
98
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019 is a benchmark Chardonnay from Margaret River, displaying complex layers of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle mineral notes, with a refined, structured finish.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2022
RP
94
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc highlights the finesse and purity typical of the Art Series collection, combining expressive aromas with a textured, lively palate.
34,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Leeuwin Estate
Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
JH
95
WE
92
JS
92
Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a vibrant expression of Margaret River’s terroir, blending dark fruits with herbal nuances and fine, structured tannins.
35,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2022
RP
92
JH
90
JS
90
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh, lively expression from Margaret River, combining vibrant citrus with herbal complexity, perfect for those seeking a refreshing yet layered white.
23,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz 2020
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz 2020
Leeuwin Estate
Siblings Shiraz 2020
WS
88
WS
89
JH
92
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz is an exciting expression of Margaret River, bursting with vibrant fruit and subtle floral notes that make it a captivating wine from the first sip to the last.
25,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Sparkling Brut 2022
Leeuwin Estate Sparkling Brut 2022
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.
50,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Chardonnay 2020
RP
98
WE
95
DCT
98
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.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
62,50 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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