99 Points - Ken Gargett | 98 Points - Huon Hooke
Leeuwin Estate's 'Art Series' Chardonnay is widely considered Australia's definitive example and one of the nation's finest white wines. The 2023 release is another sublime Margaret River Chardonnay, arriving to immediate acclaim (99 Points - Ken Gargett, 98 Points - Huon Hooke).
The 2023 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay is another sublime Margaret River Chardonnay, opening with lifted aromatics of zesty lime, white peach, and green pear, layered with jasmine and toasted macadamia.
The palate is poised and displays effortless power with pear, nectarine, white peach and a touch of lemon curd. With a lively mineral thread, subtle texture and vibrant natural acidity, this is another stunning Art Series Chardonnay that will offer plenty of joy over the next decade or two.
"99 Points. 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 bucketlist 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, stonefruits 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. $159. Drink: 2026 - 2029"- Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot.
"98 Points. 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"- Huon Hooke, The Real Review.
"97 Points. 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. 13.5% alc. $159. Screwcap. Drink: 2028 - 2038"- Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.
"97 Points. As you’d expect from an excellent vintage and a producer of exceptional chardonnay, this is superb. It glimmers light straw and olive in the glass, and it’s superbly modulated - from the flavours to the texture. It is quite a pared-back style, tight and linear with restrained power, savoury and moreish. Just another cracking Art Series Chardonnay. $159. Drink: 2026 - 2036. Screwcap"- Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion.
