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Leeuwin Estate

Leeuwin Estate, owned by Denis and Tricia Horgan, has a reputation for producing top quality wines from its location in the Margaret River region of Western Australia. Yet, however, you try and dress it up, its creation was more by chance than by design. The property was originally a cattle farm which Denis Horgan had acquired in a business takeover. Horgan took advice from the State Department of Agriculture as to the optimal use for the land, and their suggestion was viticulture. And so Denis Horgan started down the road that was to lead to the creation of one of Australia's greatest wineries.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Pinot Noir Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon So Leeuwin Estate began as a vine nursery, with advice from top viticulturist Stan Heritage. Over the next few years however, large areas were planted up, here taking advice from Californian guru Robert Mondavi. The vineyards saw the arrival of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which are the basis for the two top cuvées from Leeuwin Estate, but also Shiraz and even Pinot Noir. These varieties are the basis for the Leeuwin wines of today, except for Shiraz, which was grafted over to Sauvignon Blanc within a few years of being planted.

The first vintage came in 1978, as it takes several years for young vines to bear any fruit. Initially there were very small crops, which increased in size year by year, and soon the quantities produced were commercially viable. Bob Cartwright, who was appointed winemaker early on in the history of Leeuwin Estate, oversaw these early successes. In particular the 1980 Art Series Chardonnay enjoyed international acclaim, and did much to put the vineyard on the map of wine drinkers worldwide.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay The top cuvées are the Art Series wines (above), with a Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon available. The Chardonnay is probably the most sought after. The Prelude and Siblings cuvées can also be very good. The wines do, however, frequently command a high price, particularly where the Art Series is concerned. At least the profits are put to some good use, though. Leeuwin Estate now boasts a fine restaurant, and the Leeuwin orchestral concerts - which started with a visit by the London Philharmonic in 1983 - are deserving of the publicity they generate. (8/12/00)

Contact details:
Address: Stevens Rd, Margaret River, Western Australia 6285
Telephone: +61 (0) 8 9759 0000
Fax: +61 (0) 8 9759 0001
Internet: www.leeuwinestate.com.au

Leeuwin Estate - Tasting Notes

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1999

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling (Margaret River) 1999: This is an attractive wine, with a hint of classic, petrolly Riesling aroma, together with scents of white fruit. On the palate there is fresh, clean fruit, particularly citrus grapefruit, and there is good acidity. 16/20 (December 2000)

Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay (Margaret River) 1999: An attractive, obviously New World, tropical fruit nose. This wine has a lovely texture and weight on the palate, with good balancing acidity. More tropical fruit flavours, with vanilla and coconut nuances. The oak is integrating well for such a young wine. 16/20 (December 2000)

1997

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay (Margaret River) 1997: This wine has a more individual nose of ripe tropical fruits, combined with a good amount of oily, smoky French oak. The palate combines a richness of New World fruit, and an oily mouthfeel, with superb, elegant balancing acidity. Finishes with smoky nuances. 16.5/20 (December 2000)

1996

Leeuwin Estate Prelude Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (Margaret River) 1996: A good, fruit laden nose. On the palate, a huge amount of smoky, fruit, with an unattractive vegetal undercurrent. Despite this there were some appealing smoke, tobacco and black pepper complexities. 16/20 (December 2000)

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River) 1996: The nose here is very closed, with barely the suggestion of any fruit. The palate is tight and backward, although there is some lovely blackcurrant fruit hiding behind a wall of tannin. The acidity is good and the potential here is considerable - it could be an absolute stunner. 17.5+/20 (December 2000)