2011 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series
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Tasting notes
While all may not have been well in the east (of Australia) in 2011, all was well and sunny in Western Australia. The 2011 Art Series Chardonnay is starting to turn a vivid yellow in the glass, yet it retains glints of vibrant green still. The fruit that gathers around the acid (being the center point of the wine at this stage) is savory and taut. If anything, this wine is in a quiet phase right now—the fruit is tightly bound to its supporting phenolic and acidic structure, awaiting its next window.
Critic scores
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The oak seems a little prominent on the nose. Plus a streak of green. Good, neat Chardonnay unforced fruit but this wine seems so much less distinctive and distinguished than it did a decade or two ago! The finish seems just a little sweet. Admirably lively for a five-year-old white. (JR)
Toasty and flinty on the nose. The oak is pretty loudly spoken. There is expressive, rich fruit too – pineapple, toffee apple, melon. Sweet smoky finish. Nothing subtle about this, and the flavour intensity is impeccable. It’s also ageing beautifully – not even the slightest oxidative hint. (RH)
Creamy aroma with a light note of struck match. Tightly knit still but with a creamy texture and very crisp (no malo). Winemaking in the background even though they use 100% new oak; fruit to the fore. Direct, youthful and long. (JH)
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.