Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2019

Winemaking and Drinking

Leeuwin Estate, one of the five founding wineries of the Margaret River district in Western Australia, has a storied history dating back to 1972. The winery was established by Denis and Tricia Horgan, with the vision of creating world class wines in a region that was then just emerging as a prime wine-producing area. The Leeuwin Estate Art Series, known for its exceptional quality and unique labels featuring contemporary Australian art, includes the celebrated 2019 Shiraz.

Origins of the 2019 Art Series Shiraz

The 2019 Art Series Shiraz is a product of meticulous craftsmanship and the distinctive terroir of Margaret River. The grapes for this vintage were sourced from Leeuwin's vineyards in the Stevens Road area, which is renowned for its gravelly loam soils and cool maritime climate. This environment contributes to the balanced ripening of the Shiraz grapes, providing intense fruit flavors and a vibrant acidity that characterizes the wine.

The 2019 growing season was marked by a long, dry summer with cool evenings, ideal conditions for producing high-quality Shiraz. These climatic conditions allowed for slow and even ripening, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors and fine tannins. The careful vineyard management practices at Leeuwin Estate, including hand-picking and selective harvesting, ensured that only the best fruit was used in the winemaking process.

Winemaking 

The winemaking process for the 2019 Shiraz involved fermentation in open-top fermenters and a period of maturation in French oak barrels. This technique imparted a subtle complexity and structure to the wine, enhancing its natural characteristics. The resulting wine exhibits a deep, ruby-red color with aromas of blackberry, plum, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, pepper, and integrated oak, leading to a long, smooth finish.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: The Leeuwin Estate 2019 Art Series Shiraz presents itself with a deep and alluring ruby-red color, hinting at its richness and concentration.

Nose: Upon first approach, the wine offers an aromatic bouquet that is both complex and inviting. Notes of ripe blackberries and dark plums dominate, accompanied by subtle hints of black pepper and a touch of spice. These aromas are complemented by delicate nuances of vanilla and cedar from the French oak barrels in which it was aged.

Palate: On the palate, the 2019 Shiraz from Leeuwin Estate is full-bodied and velvety, showcasing the classic characteristics of Margaret River Shiraz. Rich flavors of blackberry jam and juicy plums unfold, underscored by layers of dark chocolate and espresso. The wine's texture is smooth and polished, with fine-grained tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the palate.

Finish: The finish is impressively long and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of dark fruit flavors and a subtle hint of spice. The integration of oak adds depth and complexity, contributing to a well-balanced wine that is both powerful and elegant.

Awards and Accolades

The 2019 Art Series Shiraz has garnered significant acclaim both domestically and internationally. It received high scores from esteemed wine critics and publications, including a 96-point rating from James Halliday's Wine Companion, a testament to its exceptional quality. Internationally, it was awarded a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the most prestigious wine competitions globally. These accolades highlight the wine's elegance, complexity, and balance, solidifying its status as a standout Shiraz in the global wine market.

Conclusion

The Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2019 is a remarkable representation of the Margaret River's winemaking prowess. Its origins in the prime vineyard sites, coupled with the estate's commitment to quality and innovative winemaking techniques, have produced a wine of exceptional character and elegance. With its impressive array of awards and critical acclaim, the 2019 Shiraz continues to enhance Leeuwin Estate's reputation as a producer of world-class wines.