Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020

Region and Vineyards

Margaret River, in Western Australia, is known for its ideal conditions for Chardonnay, with a cool, maritime climate that enables grapes to develop slowly, retaining acidity and enhancing aromatic depth. The 2020 growing season began with a wet winter, providing ample water reserves, followed by a warm, sunny spring that led to an early budburst for Chardonnay. Mild temperatures during the ripening season allowed for extended hang time, producing fruit with notable natural acidity and fruit intensity.

The diverse sites at Leeuwin Estate contribute to a complex expression in each vintage. The region’s gravelly soils, combined with the cooling breezes from the Indian Ocean, support the vibrant acidity and minerality that define the Art Series Chardonnay.

Winemaking

The 2020 Art Series Chardonnay was crafted from 100% Chardonnay. The cool, destemmed fruit was combined with select whole-bunch pressed parcels, with the juice settled for 12 to 36 hours. The juice was 100% barrel-fermented in new French oak barriques to build texture and complexity. The lees were stirred regularly throughout the 11-month aging period, enhancing mouthfeel and depth.

After maturation, the wine components were blended, fined, and cold-stabilized before bottling. The result is a Chardonnay with a balanced profile, expressing vibrant fruit flavors with a textured finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with a golden hue, showing depth.
• Aroma: Aromatic layers of lemon curd, nashi pear, and citrus blossom, with nuances of vanilla, flint, and tea leaf.
• Palate: Focused and precise, with juicy white peach, pear, and a saline mineral finish, characteristic of the vintage.

Did You Know?

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay first gained international recognition with its 1980 vintage, establishing it as one of Australia’s premier Chardonnays. The Art Series line is known for its labels featuring Australian art, making each bottle collectible.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Lobster Thermidor: The wine’s acidity and citrus notes enhance the richness of lobster and creamy sauces, balancing and brightening the dish.
• Roast Chicken with Truffle Butter: The mineral and flinty notes resonate with the earthiness of truffle, while the Chardonnay’s vibrant acidity complements the chicken’s savory flavors.
• Scallops with Lemon Zest and Thyme: The bright, citrus-driven palate complements scallops’ sweetness, while the oak influence matches their caramelized crust.
• Risotto with Aged Parmesan and White Asparagus: The Chardonnay’s texture harmonizes with the creaminess of the risotto, and the saline finish accentuates the Parmesan’s umami depth.

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.