2013 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Art Series Chardonnay has only slightly more color in the glass than the pre-release 2022 vintage alongside it. It's very impressive for a Chardonnay 12 years from harvest. Lest we forget the security and impact of the screw-cap closure. On the nose, there is almond meal, yellow peach, nectarine and nashi pear. The wine is creamy and plump on the palate, but as mentioned in my review of the 1995, the wine is driven by the phenolic structure, undulating, powerful and serious, firm and long. This was made from handpicked fruit from Block 20 and 22 (planted in 1976 and 1978, respectively). Five percent of the cuvée was whole-bunch fermented in 100% new oak, while the balance was destemmed, crushed and pressed to 100% new oak, mainly Bordelais. Sulfured post-ferment in order to discourage malolactic fermentation, both Block 20 (concentration) and 22 (minerality) components remained in barrel for 11 months prior to blending and bottling.
Critic scores
James Halliday
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
5% spontaneous fermentation. 100% fermented in new barriques and then aged for 11 months. Stirring. No malo. Very rich and ripe on the nose. Broader and more textured on the palate than the 2010. Some distinctiveness and character. Great balance. Long and appetising. Deeper-flavoured than the 2010. (JR)
36% wild yeast (which started in 2012). Delicate lively texture with some burgundian notes. Not forced and a little salty grapefruit à la Margaret River. Result of picking on pear and cut lime and white nectarine apparently. Tim Lovett: ‘I don’t want to have too much winemaking artefact over it.’ Clean and lively. See also tasting note from the Cullen International Chardonnay tasting . (JR)
(raised in 100 percent new French oak) Pale yellow-gold. A highly complex, mineral-laced bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchard fruits, iodine, toasted brioche and white flowers, and a hint of fennel emerges with air. Shows superb depth and delineation, offering vibrant orange, pear, sweet butter and anise flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Powerful yet graceful, displaying superb focus and thrust on an impressively long finish that features lingering floral and mineral flourishes.
About the producer
Leeuwin Estate is one of Australia’s leading wine producers. Based close to Cape Leeuwin, in the southern reaches of Margaret River, Western Australia, this remote estate is best known for its Art Series wines.