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Fast Facts: Variety: 100% Chardonnay Region: Margaret River, Western Australia Country: Australia Winemaker: Bob Cartwright Closure: Cork |
Leeuwin Estate’s Art Series Chardonnay is one of Australia’s most highly regarded wines. Leeuwin Estate has said that the secret behind the Art Series Chardonnay is an exceptional block of vines that they call “Block 20”. The grapes from this block form the backbone of the Art Series Chardonnay each year.
The 1987 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay is considered by many to be one of the finest Chardonnays that Australia has produced. 1987 was a classic vintage in the Margaret River and in combination with the consistently excellent Chardonnay grapes that Leeuwin have access to, this wine is one of those wines that people who tasted it in its prime put in their top wine experience lists. At 18 years of age, it is at the stage where almost all but a few Australian Chardonnays would be undrinkable.
Recently the opportunity came up to buy a case of this wine at auction. Myself and three other wine lovers decided that it would be worth splitting this case amongst ourselves in the hope that some of the bottles we received would still be drinkable.
It was a good sign when we received the bottles that the labels were in pristine condition and the fill levels indicated that no leakage had taken place. It seemed that these bottles had been well stored and looked after.
Even considering the good condition, I opened my first bottle last weekend with a certain amount of trepidation …
Tasting Note: A golden yellow core with hints of straw yellow and green around the edges. Toffee apple, honey and a touch of pineapple, along with a gentle hint of sweetness provide an interesting bouquet. A delightful creamy mouth-feel. Superb balance from start to finish on the layered palate, all is in harmony. Excellent length that goes on and on.
There is no doubt though that it is fading and that it is well and truly time to drink remaining bottles. It would have been unforgettable in its prime, but given a good bottle it is holding on and is still showing enough of its past glory to be considered excellent.
Verdict: 93 points.
If you would like to try some of the Leeuwin Estate magic, I can highly recommend the current release 2002 Art Series Chardonnay ($70). A full tasting note for this wine is on it’s way, but it exhibits the structure and delightful complexity to convince me that it will last the distance and provide much enjoyment in the years to come.