Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Region and Vineyards

The Margaret River region is one of Australia’s top cool-climate regions for Sauvignon Blanc, with a maritime influence that enhances the natural acidity and aromatic profile of the grapes. The vintage was characterized by a wet and windy spring, followed by warm conditions in January and February, with cooling sea breezes. These conditions promoted balanced ripening and excellent concentration in the fruit, while a high presence of Marri blossom helped to protect the vines from bird activity, preserving the integrity of the crop.

Leeuwin Estate’s vineyards are planted on well-drained gravelly soils, which contribute to a vibrant acidity and minerality in the wines. The climate’s steady warmth allowed the Sauvignon Blanc grapes to develop concentrated flavors while retaining freshness, resulting in a wine that captures Margaret River’s unique terroir with precision.

Winemaking

The Siblings Sauvignon Blanc was crafted to highlight freshness and varietal purity. The grapes were harvested at night to retain maximum freshness and immediately pressed. After settling off the gross lees, the juice was inoculated with pure yeast cultures and fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks for two weeks. Following fermentation, select parcels were blended to create a balanced profile, with stirring on lees to add texture. Finally, the wine was fined, stabilized, and bottled to capture its lively character.

This approach maintains a 13.5% alcohol content, with 6.76 g/L of acidity and a pH of 3.20, resulting in a crisp, textured Sauvignon Blanc with depth.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green highlights, suggesting freshness.
• Aroma: Bursting with notes of lychee, lime, lemon zest, and guava, interwoven with hints of clove, fennel, thyme, and lemongrass.
• Palate: A zesty, layered profile with flavors of lime, mandarin, and gooseberry, balanced by a mid-palate texture and a refreshing line of acidity.

Did You Know?

The Siblings series by Leeuwin Estate celebrates the next generation of the Horgan family, emphasizing approachability and vibrant, fruit-forward styles that capture Margaret River’s distinctive terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Ceviche with Fresh Herbs and Citrus: The bright acidity and citrus notes of the wine complement the freshness of ceviche, while herbs highlight the wine’s subtle thyme and fennel accents.
• Thai Green Papaya Salad: The wine’s lime and guava notes resonate with the tangy, spicy flavors of this dish, and its acidity balances the salad’s richness.
• Oysters with Mignonette Sauce: The minerality of the wine pairs beautifully with the briny oysters, while its crisp finish enhances the vinegar notes in the mignonette.
• Goat Cheese Tart with Lemon Zest: The wine’s fresh acidity cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, and the citrus notes echo the lemon zest, making for a harmonious pairing.

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.