2012 Leeuwin Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series
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Tasting notes
The 2012 vintage in Margaret River was classical and fine; many producers made excellent quality wines in this vintage, and for me, the reds are defined by a ripeness of tannin, which is fully resolved in every regard. Here, the 2012 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is layered with cocoa nib, coffee grounds, sage, cassis, blackberry, mulberry, summer raspberry and dried curry leaf. In the mouth, it exudes polish and tannin ... a graceful, almost effortless wine. Sensational.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Deep crimson. Round, ripe nose and lots of sinew on the palate. Still quite youthful. Very dry and bordelais in structure. Appetising but not quite ready. (JR)
(40 percent new French oak) Vivid ruby-red. Powerful, oak-tinged blackberry, cherry, candied rose, cured tobacco and mocha scents, accompanied by succulent herb and mineral flourishes. Sappy and seamless on the palate, offering densely packed but energetic bitter cherry, dark berry, mocha and licorice flavors that unfurl slowly. Youthful tannins shape a very long, sweet finish, which features resonating spice, mineral and floral pastille notes. This wine's energy and balance suggest that it will enjoy a long, smooth evolution in bottle.
Mid crimson. Notably fresh and almost deliberately crisp. Aromatic with cassis and dried herbs. This seems to have a slightly bordelais rather than Aussie accent. It's restrained and refreshing with fine tannins on the end. No hurry at all to drink this. The finish is impressively long and neat. There's nothing remotely exhibitionistic about this. (JR)
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.