2003 Art Series Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
This is arguably Australia’s most famous single Chardonnay and yet this particular bottle was a bit of a disappointment. There was no obvious TCA but I do wonder whether there was not a bit of low-level taint that was robbing it of its fruit. Quite a light nose. Very tight and restrained. I preferred the (much cheaper) Cape Mentelle. Seems a bit muted to me. Maybe it will eventually blossom but it’s hard to see why it commands quite the prices it does on the basis of this bottle. Stoppered with natural cork. (JR)
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Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
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The classic 2003 Chardonnay Art Series was aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months, but you would never know that. It boasts a layered, white peach and honeyed citrus bouquet intermixed with subtle background wood smoke. Medium to full-bodied with excellent acidity, minerality, and structure, this beauty will be even better with another 1-2 years of bottle age. It should last for 6-7+ years. Importer: Gavin Speight, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552
Green-gold color. Dense, almost brooding on the nose initially, but unfolds quickly to show fresh pear, white peach, minerals and a suggestion of white pepper. An intense floral note grabs the palate, along with flavors of pear skin, apple eau de vie and cinnamon. This has superb heft and a rich, chewy texture, and finishes with powerful mineral and pit fruit flavors that carry endlessly. Another great example of this Australian icon wine. It may not be the equal of the supernal 2002, but then not many chardonnays are.
About the producer
Leeuwin Estate is one of Australia’s leading wine producers. Based close to Cape Leeuwin, in the southern reaches of Margaret River, Western Australia, this remote estate is best known for its Art Series wines.