Founded in 1974, Leeuiwn Estate is now numbered among the finest domaines in the world and has achieved a remarkable reputation for the quality of its wines. They have become world-class ambassadors for Western Australia and have the rare distinction of being truly ageworthy wines.
Set in the heart of the most alluring and idyllic of viticultural areas in Australia, Leeuwin Estate emerges triumphant at the very op of the continent’s quality tree. It formed part of the pioneering generation of wineries established in Margaret River at the beginning of the 70′s (together with Vasse Felix, Moss Wood and Cullens), all attracted to the potential of this new area some 300 km south of Perth on the edge of the Indian Ocean, with its temperate maritime climate and perfect terrain for growing grapes. Before then, all wine producing activity in WA had taken place north of Perth, mainly in the Swan valley, in areas with much higher temperatures.
From the very beginning, proprietors Denis and Tricia Horgan invested significant resources in a long-term strategy to make some of Australia’s finest wines, with manual picking of Block 20 (the backbone of the Art Series Chardonnay), low yields, new French oak and bottle ageing before release. One of the results of these efforts to be at the forefront of the Australian fine wine scene is that the Chardonnay is expensive. But Leeuwin has not wanted to cut corners – as the legendary James Halliday said more than a decade ago: “It is a vinous Rolls Royce selling or the price of a BMW”.
Shortly to enter its fourth decade of production, the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay continues to be Australia’s greatest Chardonnay and one of the great wines of the world.
Winemaking is in the safe hands of the talented Paul Atwood who has proved more than a worthy successor to the illustrious team of viticulturist John Brocksopp and winemaker Bob Cartwright, whose 25+ year partnership extended from the early days of the winery right up to their retirement some four years ago.
