2023 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay

Rich, texturally voluminous and enveloping yet wonderfully fresh and refined all at once, this iconic Chardonnay has the palate presence and persistence of a Grand Cru Burgundy.

Firmly entrenched in the top echelon of Australian Chardonnay, the outstanding 2023 vintage has delivered a spectacular rendition of this Margaret River icon.

Brilliant very pale straw colour with green highlighted edges and a watery hue. Soaring through the olfactory senses with fabulous intensity are aromas of nectarine, white peach and pear which are interwoven with dried honey, biscuity nougat, cashew, crème brulee, bees wax and gun flint. Rich, texturally voluminous and enveloping yet wonderfully fresh and refined all at once, mouth filling nectarine, white peach, pear and dried honey flavours wrap themselves around the palate. The back half is detailed with a complex matrix of biscuity oak, citrusy nougat, subtle roast almond, crème brulee, bees wax, ginger and infusions of gun flint. Boasting magnificent power and drive, it has the palate presence and persistence of a Grand Cru Burgundy. Finishes with epic length.
Drink over the next 10-12 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews……
This brilliant Chardonnay will surely come to be ranked, not only amongst the best ever from this legendary estate, not only among the best from this thrilling region, but among the best Australia has ever made. This is Grand Cru quality at what has sadly become Village pricing. A profound Chardonnay destined to become a bucket list wine. A very pale lemon with a vaguely green hint running through it, this is pristine, intense, beautifully balanced and seamless. The oak has almost been completely absorbed, although it is fair to say that it’ll probably look even better in twelve months. The wine is, however, immensely enjoyable now. The nose reveals hints of apricot flesh, limes, citrus skins, oatmeal, Madagascan vanilla, gentle touches of grilled cashews, stone fruits and jasmine. Such intensity but meshed with freshness, energy and elegance. Powerful but poised, there is incredible length here, seemingly never-ending, with laser-sharp acidity just one of the many components. There is complexity already evident, although one suspects it is a shadow of what is to come. The intensity never wavers for an instant over the full journey. Stunning stuff, it will still be magnificent in twenty years, likely even more so, and still have life ahead of it. Leeuwin have made some mindbogglingly good Chardonnays over the years, but I think none better.
99 points
Ken Gargett – WinePilot.com

Light bright yellow, a very youthful colour for a 2023, and the bouquet is likewise fresh but also seriously detailed, with creamy lees, malt, nougat, beeswax and custard apple aromas, the palate similarly complex and profound, with a chew of oaky tannins that lingers on the aftertaste. Long, long carry. A very powerful chardonnay, searingly intense and strongly structured, and needing more time yet to come into full harmony. Outstanding.
98 points
Huon Hooke – The Real Review

Lime and finger lime, Solo! (though ideally don’t slam it down fast), fresh pineapple, pear, plenty of clove and ginger oak, aniseed, a light flinty smokiness, honey cashew and white flower perfume. It’s medium-bodied, there’s a richness to fruit and oak here, yet it stays tight and controlled, with pitch-perfect acidity, a light chalkiness to texture, closing with superb length. Power with precision. You can drink it now, sure, though ideally wait for all the components to mesh. It’s an outstanding release. Drink 2028-2038+
97 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front