Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2022

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay showcases a pale straw-gold hue, indicating both freshness and depth. The nose is immediately floral and expressive, with chamomile, lemon myrtle, and cherry blossom leading the way, complemented by an undercurrent of fresh ginger.

On the palate, the wine unfolds with precision and finesse. A vibrant core of lime, nashi pear, and nectarine is underscored by a saline minerality and wet stone complexity. The mid-palate builds with layers of almond meal, nutmeg, and fine oak integration, while the acidity maintains a structured and focused presence. The finish is long, persistent, and effortlessly refined, with a lingering chalky texture.

Serving & Cellaring Guidelines

🔹 Serving Temperature: 10–12°C – This allows the wine’s full complexity and aromatics to shine.

🔹 Decanting: Not required, but allowing the wine to breathe for 15–30 minutes can enhance its expressive nature.

🔹 Cellaring Potential: While drinking beautifully now, this wine will evolve gracefully over 10–15 years, developing greater depth and complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

🔹 Grilled Lobster with Lemon Butter – The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness, enhancing the delicate seafood flavours.

🔹 Roast Chicken with Truffle Mash – The savoury depth of the Chardonnay complements the umami richness of the truffle.

🔹 Creamy Pasta with White Sauce – A match made in heaven, with the wine’s freshness balancing out creamy textures.

🔹 Soft-Ripened Cheeses (Brie, Camembert) – The wine’s minerality and acidity elevate the creamy, nutty profiles of soft cheeses.

Additional Information ℹ️

📍 Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
🍇 Variety: 100% Chardonnay
🍷 Alcohol: 13.5% ABV | 8.0 Standard Drinks
🛠️ Closure: Screwcap
⏳ Cellaring Potential: Up to 15 years

Awards & Accolades 🏆

⭐ 98 Points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review
“Brisk and bright with vibrant acidity and intense grapefruit/lemon flavours. Superb vitality and balance. It positively vibrates with energy.”

⭐ 98 Points – Cassandra Charlick, Decanter
“This takes time to unravel, but once it does, it has everything. The structure is superb, and the oak is meticulously managed. Is this the greatest Art Series yet?”

⭐ 98 Points – Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine
“Remarkably complex, with nectarine, cut lime, and a distinct chalky limestone influence. A shimmering acidity and precision make this one of the most individual Art Series Chardonnays to date.”

⭐ 97+ Points – Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
“A powerful and savoury wine leaning on exotic dry spice, cracked honeycomb, and salted grapefruit. Piercing acidity and a seamless acid-fruit balance make this truly impressive.”

⭐ 97 Points – James Suckling
“Extremely complex and classy, with aromas of lemon peel, flint, nectarines, sea salt, and minerals. Tightly wound, with high-tension acidity and an underlying power.”

❓ FAQ / Technical Terms Explained

🔹 Flint & Chalky Minerality – Subtle, stony characteristics that create a refreshing, textured mouthfeel, often found in top-quality Chardonnays.

🔹 Saline Character – A delicate, briny note that enhances freshness and complexity, reminiscent of a sea breeze.

🔹 Phyllitic Nuances – A reference to the unique soil composition contributing to the wine’s structure and mineral tension.

🔹 Lees Ageing – The wine is aged on spent yeast cells (lees), adding richness, depth, and a creamy texture.

🔹 Whole-Bunch Pressing – A gentle pressing technique that preserves delicate aromatics and enhances mouthfeel.

🔹 Oak Integration – The use of French oak adds subtle spice and texture, enhancing the wine’s elegance rather than dominating it.

🔹 Cellaring Potential – This wine’s acidity and structure ensure it will evolve beautifully for 10–15 years, gaining more complexity with age.