Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay Margaret River – 2021

There are many great Chardonnays from Burgundy and elsewhere, but there’s none that I love more than Leeuwin’s famous Art Series. There is no more picturesque winery in the world to visit and there is no other Chardonnay I know at <CHF100/bt which can age so beautifully and consistently for 20 years or more in bottle.

2021 was a mild, wet growing season in Margaret River, producing wines with excellent varietal definition and incredible length and clarity. Chardonnay was the stand out variety with fabulous natural acidity and fruit weight. 

Winemaker tasting notes

Elevated, fragrant and perfumed, the nose is defined by chamomile, lemon myrtle, cherry blossom and ginger. A core and concentrated fruit spectrum of pear, lemon flesh and white nectarine provide the foundation. There is a graphite, flint, and chalk thread, combining with nutmeg and almond meal.

Energetic and well poised, an array of fresh lime and nashi pear is laced throughout. The palate is ethereal, mineral and defined with a presence of natural acidity. There is an enticing element of saline, wet stone and phyllitic characteristic that weaves within. The shape and frame on the palate is present and focussed with effortless length.

Press reviews

“Leeuwin seems to be striding from strength to strength. The ever-dependable, consistent, age-worthy Art Series Chardonnay is great every season. It is always a reflection of the vintage, but it is Art Series Chardonnay first. The style is entrenched in the history of the wine, and as the vines gain in age, the fruit spectrum of the wines expand in complexity. So, each year seems to be “better than ever,” and that makes sense when you drill down into site and production, both of which are tightly controlled to a high level of detail. While the 2021 Art Series Chardonnay is arguably finer than the 2020 or undoubtedly the 2022 yet to be released, it makes an impact as an excellent Art Series Chardonnay and sits beside the 2017 in style.” 97/100 Wine Advocate

“Light straw colour with a reserved lemon/grapefruit aroma, fresh and penetrating, the palate brisk and bright with vibrant acidity and intense grapefruit/lemon flavours that persist the full length of the very long palate. Superb vitality and balance. It promises to reward cellaring too. Tremendously concentrated and compact, with extreme drive and massive persistence, it positively vibrates with energy. Very cellarworthy, too.” 98/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review