Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series 2022 750ml

The 2022 Art Series Chardonnay is floral, yellow-accented and spicy. This is characteristic of the 2022 vintage, and I am glad to see that play out in the wine. There are similarities between 2020 and 2022, the latter being slightly warmer and earlier than the former, and I far prefer the latter in the context of white wines in Margaret River—reds too, actually. This has chamomile tea, white peach, nuts and saline acidity. It's spectacular. Spring 2021 was characterized by wet and windy conditions. Temperatures during September and October were cooler than average, slowing shoot growth and delaying flowering. Warmer, sunnier weather in early to mid-November accelerated vine development and resulted in a concentrated flowering period across the vineyard. January and February were generally warm, with regular afternoon sea breezes moderating daytime temperatures and influencing ripening conditions. A widespread flowering of marri trees throughout the region provided an abundant alternative food source for local bird populations, reducing bird pressure in vineyard blocks during the ripening period. Harvest commenced with Pinot Noir on 4 February, followed by the white varieties, which were completed by 15 March. The season was characterized by a later start to vine development, followed by favorable conditions through flowering, fruit set and ripening.

#30 in Top 100 Wines of Australia, 2025. Another exceptional release for this famed Australian chardonnay. Highly strung and tightly wound with mineral-edged aromas of lemon peel, crushed stones and sea spray as well as grapefruit, struck match and white orchard fruit. The palate is still reserved and quiet—remarkable, considering the 11 months in barrel with biweekly lees-stirring. A wine that always needs time but consistently presents as flashy yet vertical. Excellent. Drink or hold but give it some air beforehand. Screw cap.

It’s still a baby, but there is no question of what lies within. Tuberose, lemon leaf, green spice, preserved lemon, toasty oak, cracker and perfumed white peach. On the palate, flavour is concentrated and intense, and combined with the firm structure of this wine, powerful enough to hold up to the oak. There’s vibrant, lacy acidity, ripe and powerful Gingin fruit, yet in no way eding towards fleshy. It’s voluminous and complex, but laser-beam precision keeps things taut. The palate blooms with opulent florals, doughnut peach, nectarine skin, lemon blossom, crushed roast cashew, orange blossom and crushed citrus leaf. A silvery salinity on the finish tickles. A wine of polish, precision and immense power, yet all in balance. This is one for the distance.

A vibrant style, offering a mouthwatering (and mouthfilling) mix of bright lemon, yuzu and neroli notes, with fresh lime, plus a touch of tangerine. Shows details of lemon blossoms, toasted sesame seed and Himalayan salt, with plenty of precision and focus as well as power. All of this is on a light and juicy frame, keeping everything bright and in focus. Drink now through 2039. 700 cases imported.

The 2022 Chardonnay Art Series is more open-knit than usual, delivering fleshy waves of peach and musk with flashes of nectarine and nutty oak. Tangy acidity provides upfront bite before the wine fleshes out into creamy textures accented by cedary oak over a supple finish.