Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Margaret River region, in Western Australia, is celebrated for its moderate maritime climate, which ensures consistent grape ripening. Leeuwin Estate, situated in the southern part of the region, benefits from the cooling sea breezes that create ideal conditions for producing Shiraz with balance and complexity.

The 2022 vintage began with a cooler-than-average spring, delaying flowering but allowing vines to grow steadily. Warm summer days and the ever-present sea breezes moderated temperatures, preserving freshness and acidity in the fruit. A late March rain spell followed by mild sunny conditions provided a prolonged ripening period, ensuring full flavor and tannin development in the Shiraz grapes.

Winemaking

The Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2022 is composed of 94% Shiraz, 3% Viognier, and 3% Malbec, a blend that elevates the wine's aromatic and structural profile. The grapes were hand-picked and underwent individual berry sorting before fermentation in both open and closed fermenters.

Approximately 20% of the fruit included whole bunches to enhance vibrancy and aromatics. The fermentations were managed with daily plunging and pumping over, ensuring optimal extraction of color and flavor. The wine was matured in a combination of new, one-year-old, and two-year-old French oak barrels for a total of 18 months, undergoing malolactic fermentation in barrel. Post-maturation, the components were blended and fined with egg white before bottling.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: A floral and perfumed bouquet dominated by violets and rose petals, intertwined with notes of mulberries, raspberries, and currants. Subtle layers of graphite, petrichor, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla add complexity.
• Palate: Intense and structured with a core of black pastille fruits, mulberries, and dark cherries. A vibrant acidity underscores freshness, while fine-grained tannins and a mineral thread carry flavors of coffee bean, cocoa, and black cardamom to a long, elegant finish.

Did You Know?

The Art Series collection is famous not only for its exceptional wines but also for its collaboration with Australian artists. The 2022 Shiraz label features a painting by Tommy Carroll, titled Nuguwarrding, reflecting the estate's dedication to celebrating local culture.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Chargrilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic: The wine’s tannic structure complements the richness of the lamb, while its spice notes echo the seasoning.
• Duck breast with plum sauce: The dark fruit flavors of the Shiraz harmonize beautifully with the plum sauce's sweet-savory profile.
• Aged cheddar or manchego cheese: The wine's acidity and minerality balance the cheese's richness, creating a perfect contrast.
• Mushroom risotto: Earthy umami flavors in the dish enhance the wine’s depth and aromatic 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.