2013 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series
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Tasting notes
A well celebrated year for Cabernet in Margaret River, and it shows here from one of the region's great producers. Tobacco box, blackcurrant juice, black tea leaf, graphite and feint nori lead the aromas before a swirl of the glass deepens to savoury cedar, ground coffee, tilled earth, bay leaf and sweet pops of white chocolate. This has evolved wonderfully over 12 years, balancing tertiary complexity with vibrancy and energy. The palate has a cool and svelte feel, though with an upfront tannin assertion to the sides. Blackcurrant and blackberry sit at the fore, followed by cedar, graphite, sweet earth, espresso and bay leaf which are all quickly wrapped up in ribbons of gravelly black-tea tannins with a burst of saline acidity drawing freshness and length. A remarkable expression with lovely complexity now, though with youthful energy and architectural structure for those wanting to wait.
Critic scores
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is leafy and dark, with a resinous outlay of dark berry aromas. Licorice, anise, dark chocolate, hints of iodine and nori create the bouquet of the wine, and it directly translates to the palate. The Cabernet program at Leeuwin has evolved in what feels like leaps and bounds over the past decade or so, and even in the time between now (2025) and the 2013 vintage, I have observed an ever-increasing expression of detail and suppleness in the wines. Here, the tannins are intense and, while not quite chalky, are substantially profuse and yet very finely milled. Very good Cabernet here!
Contains 4% Malbec. A total 23 months of oak maturation. A bit beefier than the 2014. Lots of structure still and more robust tannins than the 2014. Salty and still quite youthful. Bit of a powerhouse. Black liquorice and very backward. (JR)
Dark, bright-rimmed ruby. Highly expressive, oak-spiced cherry, black currant and floral pastille aromas are complemented by suggestions of vanilla and pipe tobacco. Smooth, seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering intense, mineral-accented bitter cherry, cassis and spicecake flavors and a sweetening vanilla note. Shows excellent focus and appealing sweetness on the long, energetic finish, which features repeating spiciness and harmonious, slow-building tannins.
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.