Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2022

Region and Vineyards

Margaret River, located in Western Australia, is renowned for its cool maritime climate, which is ideal for cultivating vibrant, mineral-driven white wines like Riesling. In this growing season, conditions were initially cool, with a wet spring delaying vine growth and flowering, but warm, sunny conditions in January and February ensured an excellent vintage. Margaret River’s proximity to the Indian Ocean provides a steady breeze, moderating temperatures and preserving the grapes’ natural acidity.

Leeuwin Estate’s vineyards are planted on gravelly soils with a high mineral content, which enhances the wine’s structure and elegance. This terroir, combined with Margaret River’s stable, temperate climate, contributes to the precise acidity and layered complexity that are hallmarks of the Art Series Riesling.

Winemaking

The Riesling grapes were harvested at night to preserve freshness, then quickly pressed and settled at a cold temperature for clarity. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, using pure yeast cultures to enhance varietal character and aromatic intensity. After fermentation, the wine underwent cold stabilization and light fining before bottling, ensuring purity and a polished, clean finish.

With an alcohol content of 12%, pH of 2.98, and acidity of 7.21 g/L, this Riesling maintains a crisp structure and balanced palate.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green hues, reflecting freshness.
• Aroma: Bright notes of kaffir lime, lemon zest, chamomile, and hints of Thai basil, with subtle sea spray and petrichor.
• Palate: Crisp and zesty, featuring vibrant citrus, with a quartz-like texture and long, fine finish. Delicate notes of saltbush and coriander seed add complexity.

Did You Know?

The Art Series wines from Leeuwin Estate are celebrated not only for their exceptional quality but also for the original artwork featured on each bottle, connecting fine winemaking with Australia’s contemporary art culture. The Riesling label is part of this esteemed collection, enhancing its status as both a wine and an art piece.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Prawns with Lime and Coriander: Complements the wine’s citrus and herbal notes.
• Thai Green Papaya Salad: The wine’s acidity balances the spicy, tangy flavors of the dish.
• Oysters with a Squeeze of Lemon: The wine’s minerality and freshness pair beautifully with oysters’ briny character.
• Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls: The vibrant acidity and lime notes enhance the fresh herbs and textures.

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.