Leeuwin Art Series Shiraz 2022

Product Information: The Leeuwin Art Series Shiraz 2022 is “pepper and spice and all things nice in wine…” according to wine columnist Ray Jordan. Indeed, the Leeuwin Art Series reds in the 2022 season enjoyed a classically prolonged warm ripening period. These mild and sunny conditions allowed wonderful ripe tannins and a deep, spicy shiraz. It opens with rosy perfume, becoming a dark core of mulberries, raspberries and currants with wafts of petrichor, delicate brown spices and pepper. The palate medium bodied. An open weave of black pastille fruits, mulberries and dark cherries, buttressed by buoyant acidity and fine yet structured tannins. The finish is long echo of mineral threads with dustings of coffee bean, cocao and black cardamom. Blimey this is good. All fruit was individually berry sorted and fermented in both open and closed fermenters with 20% being whole bunches on top to enhance vibrancy and further lift. Ferment vessels were plunged and pumped over daily and the wine run to new, one and two year-old barriques and larger format French oak. The wine underwent malolactic in barrels and after six months the various components were blended and matured in barrel for a further twelve months. After assemblage the wine was fined and prepared for bottling. The Estate’s signature “Art Series” wines are dressed with artwork by leading Australian contemporary artists. The artwork for Leeuwin Art Series Shiraz 2022 is by Tommy Carroll, entitled “Nuguwarrding”. Maker: Leeuwin Estate is a foundational pillar in Margaret River, is celebrated for their world-class wines. Founded by Denis and Tricia Horgan, the estate was guided by Napa Valley’s the esteemed Robert Mondavi, who recognised its potential for premium wine production. With his mentorship, the Horgans transformed their humble cattle farm into a renowned vineyard. Planting began in 1974, and by 1979, Leeuwin Estate’s wines gained international acclaim almost immediately. The 1981 “Art Series” Chardonnay earned high praise from Decanter Magazine, marking Leeuwin Estate’s entry onto the global stage. Today, under the care of three generations of the founding family, the estate continues to produce exceptional, site-expressive wines that are featured in top restaurants and wine merchants across 30 markets. Vineyard: 2022 provided a fantastic vintage at Leeuwin Estate. Spring of 2021 was typically wet and windy. September and October’s temperatures were milder than usual, delaying shoot growth and flowering dates. Sunny conditions in early-mid November produced a surge in vine growth and a rapid period of vine flowering. Conditions were warm throughout January and February, with the welcome arrival of the sea breeze a daily constant. There was a substantial showing of Marri blossom around the vineyard and on the capes, so local birds showed little interest in the ripening grapes. Harvest commenced on February 4 with Pinot Noir, followed by the harvest of all whites by March 15. Late March and early April saw a small window of rainfall, leading to a classically prolonged warm ripening period for the reds. These mild sunny conditions allowed wonderful ripe tannins and flavours to develop. The Cabernet and Shiraz were harvested through the first 3 weeks of April. Nose – Rose Petals, Mulberries, Petrichor Quite the savoury style, we have notes of liquorice, animal skins, dry herbs, blackcurrants, cloves and a hint of graphite. Palate – Blackcurrants, Iodine, Pink Peppercorns Inspired by the wines of the Northern Rhone and the use of different oaks of different formats, which contribute to the subtlety and poise on the palate. Finish – Coffee Bean, Goji Berry, Sage An elegant wine with fine bony tannins and tremendous length. A touch of sage, spice and pepper with darker blueberry and plummy fruit. Shiraz dominant, there is a dollop of both Viognier and Malbec (3% of each), in this stunning Margaret River Shiraz. 20% whole bunch and a total of eighteen months maturation in various formats of French oak. Deep magenta hue. Quite the savoury style, we have notes of licorice, animal skins, dry herbs, blackcurrants, cloves and a hint of graphite. Beautifully structured, this is seamless and seductive. There is a line of fine acidity, all leading to quite a complex style. Such exemplary balance here with excellent length. Enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. A superb Margaret River Shiraz. The best in the region? – Ken Gargett, WinePilot.com, 96 Points. The 2022 Art Series Shiraz is excellent. It is lush and persistent, with a sapid mid-palate and layers of spice and textural complexity. Very good. It remains bloody and mineral, characterized by savory tannins, pink peppercorns, nori, gravel and dried herbs, with pomegranate molasses, redcurrant and a hint