From almost fifty year old vines, and aged for eleven months in brand new French oak barrels, the eagerly-awaited 2019 Art Series Chardonnay from Leeuwin Estate thrills with multilayered elements of flavour, texture and energy. The wine’s spectrum of aromas reach from white peach, makrut lime leaves, fresh aromatic herbs and sea spray, through to cashew nuts, wet pebbles and cream, and with a savoury edge set off by fine acidity and an almost bitter, zesty peel note. The freshness of the wine is remarkable; its texture pure but complex, and length that runs for aeons. Incredible today, but will repay at least a few years in the cellar.

Leeuwin Estate is named amongst the great icon wineries of the world and is firmly placed on the international stage. Few stories can be told about modern Australian wine without mentioning the amazing rise of Margaret River, and Leeuwin Estate as a pioneer. Founded by Tricia and Denis Horgan in 1979, it is the star estate of Margaret River’s southern area; with a particular pedigree in its famed ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay, but also relatively recent acclaim for Cabernet and Shiraz. Leeuwin Estate consistently produces wines that rank with the world’s finest. Under the direction of two generations of the founding family, who work alongside a dedicated team of winemakers, both Leeuwin’s Art Series Chardonnay and Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon are included in the Langton’s wine auction house’s prestigious classification. The Margaret River region is a maritime-influenced climate made up of mostly boutique sized wineries. The region produces a scant 3% of total wine in Australia, but makes up 25% of Australia’s premium wine production.