Friday Tasting: Leeuwin Estate’s “Distinct Esthetic” with Owner-Director Simone Horgan
In-store Friday Oct 11 4:00 – 7:00, More info here ...
October 11, 2019
Margaret River in Western Australia makes many of the country’s most sought after, small-production wines It produces not only most of Australia’s most elegant, complex and Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet-based blends but many of the country’s most stylish and highly regarded Chardonnays. High-quality Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon are produced there as well, as are some impressive Rieslings and Syrahs
Leeuwin is the marquee estate, most famous for its Art Series Chardonnays which have twice been Best of the World the yearly Decanter World Wine Awards, over the cream of Burgundy and California.
The estate was founded by Denis and Tricia Horgan in 1969 with the influence and advice of Robert Mondavi. We are pleased to welcome Their daughter Simone Horgan, who now runs the estate with her brother. She is bringing with her four of the estate’s top of the line Art Series wines as well as an excellent Siblings Sauvignon/Semillon Blend
Decanter wrote that the Art Series Chardonnay, has a ‘distinct esthetic,” a term which might well be applied to the whole Leeuwin range, one that most people don’t expect from Australian wines. Leeuwin wines share a smooth airy texture, with few hard acid or tannic edges, a precise delineation of flavors and a fresh gloss over layered complexity. This certainly comes from terroir and Western Australia’s cool climate, but inimitably from 50 years of attention and refinement of method.
These are extraordinary wines, well worth the tasting and cellaring.
White
2017 Art Series Riesling “Bursting with vivid lime, white grapefruit and citrus skin flavors on a mouthwateringly crisp frame, with touches of lemon verbena lingering” Wine Spectator 16.99; Mixed Case, 15.29; Case, 14.44
2016 Siblings Semillon Sauvignon Blanc “delicate notes of tomato leaf alongside hints of white currants and grapefruit. It's medium-bodied, with a certain plump succulence to the mid-palate and a long, grassy finish. It should drink well for another few years.” Wine Advocate 17.99; Mixed Case, 16.19; Case, 15.29
2015 Art Series Chardonnay “ reveals mille-feuille layers of heady oak that's smoky with a kiss of sweet spices, joined by rock melon, grainy dried pear, peach, green pineapple, nougat and buttered popcorn. A relentless push of grapefruity acidity leavens and provides backbone and drive to this focussed wine. Decanter 85; Mixed Case, 76.5; Case, 72.25
Red
2014 Art Series Cabernet. Sauvignon “Stylish, fresh and vibrant, with taut cherry and currant flavors at the core, accented by notes of pepper, tobacco and fresh herb. Finds a balance between density and polish. Cigar box details linger on the finish. Drink now through 2030.”Wine Spectator 53; Mixed Case, 47.70; Case, 45.05
2014 Art Series Shiraz “attractive spicy plum and blueberry characters. The palate has a lush texture that is medium-bodied yet concentrated, with restrained power and pleasing approachability” Decanter
“Spice, cedar and cream soda notes are generous and complement the fleshy, ripe raspberry, clove and cherry flavors at the core. Finishes with plenty of style and a fresh, vibrant detail” Wine Spectator 26.99; Mixed Case, 24.29; Case, 22.94
mix any 6- 11 of the above for 10% off
any 12 or more for 15% off
Peter Hemenway
