Leeuwin Estate Brut Sparkling 2022

Tasting Notes

🔹 Appearance: Pale straw with a fine, persistent bead of bubbles.

🔹 Aroma: Fresh and vibrant, with grapefruit, red apple, and finger lime, complemented by hints of cinnamon, cardamom, lime curd, and toasted brioche.

🔹 Palate: Crisp yet creamy, showcasing nectarine skin, nashi pear, and lemon rind, with a subtle touch of fennel and a slaty, mineral-laced acidity. The finish is long, linear, and chalky, delivering exceptional balance.

Serving & Cellaring Guidelines

🔹 Serving Temperature: 6–8°C – Serve well chilled for maximum refreshment.

🔹 Glassware: A tulip or flute glass enhances aroma and preserves the fine bead.

🔹 Cellaring Potential: 3–5 years – Enjoy now or allow further complexity to develop.

Food Pairing Suggestions

🔹 Freshly Shucked Oysters – Complements the wine’s saline minerality.

🔹 Smoked Salmon Blinis – Enhances the citrus and brioche notes.

🔹 Goat Cheese Tartlet with Thyme – Pairs beautifully with the wine’s creamy texture.

🔹 Crispy Tempura Prawns – The crisp acidity cuts through the richness.

Awards 🏆

92 Points – Ray Jordan
“Leeuwin Estate was one of the first in Margaret River to dabble in sparkling wine, and I have to say it tends to slide under the radar with all the focus on its Chardonnay and emerging reds. This is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, displaying a creamy, generous texture that is beautifully tightened by lees influence and crisp acidity, leading to a clean, linear finish. Biscuity and light lemon curd aromas with a long, complete palate.”

Additional Information ℹ️

🔹 Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
🔹 Variety: Pinot Noir Chardonnay
🔹 Blend Composition: 62% Chardonnay, 38% Pinot Noir
🔹 Alcohol: 12.0% ABV | 7.2 Standard Drinks
🔹 Closure: Cork
🔹 Production Method: Traditional method, with extended lees aging

Technical Terms Explained

🔹 Lees Influence – Contact with yeast lees adds complexity, texture, and a biscuity aroma.

🔹 Fine Bead – Small, persistent bubbles indicating a well-crafted sparkling wine.

🔹 Mineral-Laced Acidity – A crisp, slaty acidity that enhances freshness and structure.

🔹 Chalky Finish – A refined texture giving the wine a dry, elegant conclusion.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

How is this sparkling wine made?
Leeuwin Estate Brut Sparkling is crafted using the traditional method, involving secondary fermentation in the bottle, lees aging for added complexity, and meticulous blending for balance.

How does it compare to Champagne?
While not from Champagne, this wine follows similar traditional winemaking techniques. It offers refined bubbles, balanced fruit, and a crisp, dry finish, making it a high-quality Australian alternative.

Can this wine age?
Yes, while delicious now, it will gain further complexity over 3–5 years as the yeast-derived notes develop.