Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Margaret River region in Western Australia is renowned for its cool, maritime climate, which brings refreshing acidity and complexity to its wines. The growing season saw a wet, windy winter, followed by a warm, steady summer, ideal for developing flavor concentration in Shiraz. Harvest began in mid-March under mild days and cool nights, allowing for perfect tannin development and balanced sugar ripeness.

The gravelly soils and oceanic influences in Leeuwin Estate’s vineyards contribute to a mineral backbone in the wines, enhancing the vibrant fruit and adding an elegant structure. This unique terroir brings finesse to the Siblings Shiraz, highlighting Margaret River’s signature style of expressive and balanced wines.

Winemaking

The Siblings Shiraz was crafted from hand-selected parcels, which were berry sorted and underwent a cold soak before fermentation. The wine fermented in both open and closed vessels, with daily plunging and pump-overs to ensure depth and extraction of color and tannins. Post-primary fermentation, the wine was transferred to a mix of new and used French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. After an initial six months, the components were blended and returned to barrel for an additional eight months of maturation.

With 13.5% alcohol, 6.89 g/L of acidity, and a pH of 3.34, this Shiraz offers a balanced profile, marrying freshness with structure, and is approachable yet complex.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple highlights, showcasing youth and vibrancy.
• Aroma: Bright and fragrant, with clear fruit purity and notes of violets, plums, and raspberries, enhanced by hints of minerals and subtle floral accents.
• Palate: Juicy and layered, with flavors of satsuma plum, raspberry, mulberry, and black cherry, leading into a mineral-driven finish with fine, tactile tannins.

Did You Know?

The Siblings series by Leeuwin Estate celebrates the next generation of the Horgan family, who are actively involved in running the estate, emphasizing approachability, vibrancy, and the unique character of each vintage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Charcoal-Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Thyme: The herbal and smoky flavors enhance the wine’s floral and dark fruit notes, while the tannins balance the richness of lamb.
• Porcini Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan: The earthy mushrooms and creamy risotto resonate with the wine’s mineral core and fruit depth, creating a savory harmony.
• Peking Duck with Hoisin Sauce: The wine’s acidity and dark fruit flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, slightly sweet duck, enhancing both the dish and the wine.
• Aged Gouda or Gruyère: The nutty, caramelized notes of aged cheese complement the wine’s fine tannins and fruit intensity, adding depth to each sip.

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.