It’s been said that the purpose of art is to make us question (what that might be is a different matter), fortunately for those after a good drop rather than discussion, Leeuwin’s Art Series Shiraz will leave you with only one burning query – is there any more?
It’s the combination of fruit (blueberries, tart Satsuma plum, and juicy mulberry), fragrant spice (star anise, cardamom, five spice) and floral violet that makes for such a heady aroma, it’s both lively and appealing, and breathing it in makes the first mouthful all the more appealing. The bright fruits get a bit darker in the mouth, showing great depth and intensity with subtle hints of cocoa, freshly split vanilla pod, and cinnamon. The finish is drawn out, laced with a silky smooth tannin structure.
PAST ACCOLADES & AWARDS:
James Halliday: 96 points The fragrant red fruits of the expressive bouquet leave no doubt about the harmony and elegance of this medium-bodied wine, proceeding to taste it is barely necessary, unless it be the fine filigree of spicy tannins and a waft of new oak.
Ray Jordan, Top 100 Red Wines, West Australian: 96 points Here is a compelling example of how far the guys at Leeuwin Estate have taken shiraz since realising a few years ago that they perhaps shouldn’t have pulled those vines out many years ago. A real focus in the vineyard has allowed the wines to achieve full ripeness and expression, and the result is a fabulous wine such as this. Quite simply the best shiraz yet produced from Leeuwin and marking a significant stage in the variety’s rebirth, which began a few years ago. Savoury and dry, this is a leaner style yet still with stacks of gravelly fruit intensity. Love the integration of fruit and oak, and the focus to a long finish. It is more medium bodied but still packs plenty in there.
Tyson Stelzer, WMB: 95 points A cooler inland site makes for a pretty, fragrant and elegant Shiraz even in this warm vintage. Gentle red-fruit focus and spice notes are accented by finely-textured and seamlessly integrated tannins.
Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar: 91 points Youthful purple colour. Vibrant dark berry, floral and cracked pepper scents are given an exotic twist by notes of patchouli and candied violet. Supple and gently sweet, offering juicy blackberry and floral pastille flavours and a touch of olive; in an elegant style, with no excess weight. Finishes with a kick of peppery spices, smooth tannins and repeating floral and berry notes.
Don't Pay: $38.00
WBW Rating: 96/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Margaret River, WA
Winemaker: Paul Atwood
Drink now until: 2028
Alc/Vol: 13.5 %
