There must be something in the air at Leeuwin Estate (though more likely it’s in the soil), because they keep churning out winner after winner. It’s tricky to explain how this cab sav manages to be both robust and delicate at the same time, the nose ranges a spectrum of elements, with blackcurrant and cherry, star anise, cumin, and tobacco in perfect balance against more delicate notes of crème brulee, cedar, and mocha.
The overall effect is vibrant, something that translates into the palate. A sweet fruit core flows through to a palate that sits somewhere indefinable between medium and full bodied. Fine tannins work in harmony with a slightly mineral aspect finishing on lengthy fruit and a trail of keenly grained acid. At a tender 4 years old this will be a superb glass now (perfect for taking the edge off the start of winter) but will also cellar well for a few more years.
Awards and Accolades
2012 Vintage: 96 Points - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion "Hand-picked, 80% machine-harvested, destemmed, cultured yeast, matured for 21 months in French oak (40% new). The headline, the main text and the footnotes all say one thing and one thing only: purity. And I suppose I should add elegance. They simply don't come better in this mode."
2012 Vintage: 97 Points - James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com "This is the Mouton-Rothschild of Australia. Incredibly complex aromas of black currants, spice, cigar box and berry. Full body, fantastic palate with round and polished tannins. Goes for minutes. Better in 2017."
From the Winery
Dark ruby red with a black core. Vibrant and concentrated fruit aroma of abundant blackcurrant, dark cherries and mulberry. Beneath the lifted aromatics of anise, cocoa, clove, black olive and earthy wild field mushroom provide elegant layers to a highly expressive and complex nose. Structure and fruit weight work harmoniously on the palate, characterized by a dark fruit core of blackcurrant and forest fruits. Savoury spices of dried sage, cassia bark, and tobacco gives subtle texture, and combines with diligent oak integration and a fine acid line. All components arrive to a finish featuring slightly chalky cocoa powder-like tannins.
Don't Pay: $80.00
WBW Rating: 97/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Margaret River, WA
Winemaker: Tim Lovett
Drink now until: 2035
Alc/Vol: 13.5 %
