Leeuwin Estate

Leeuwin Estate is situated on Stevens Road in Margaret River, Western Australia, and has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most respected winemakers. Known primarily for its Art Series Chardonnay, the estate combines serious winemaking with art, gastronomy and occasional open-air concerts, making it a tourist attraction in its own right.

History

The story begins in 1969, when Denis Horgan purchased a plot of land as part of a deal to acquire a plumbing business. The site was a cattle farm, and winemaking was not part of the plans until the legendary Californian winemaker Robert Mondavi arrived in 1972. Mondavi identified the Margaret River region as having exceptional potential and offered the Horgans early-stage mentorship. The couple followed his advice, and the land was converted into vineyards. The estate was officially founded in 1973.

The first harvest took place in 1978, when the vines were mature enough for commercial production. Then, in 1982, Decanter magazine named the 1980 Art Series Chardonnay the best in the world, and Leeuwin suddenly attracted the attention of the global wine community.

The winery remains family-owned. Denis and Tricia Horgan’s children, Justin and Simone, are now joint managing directors, and the third generation is already involved in the business.

Vineyards

The Leeuwin Estate covers approximately 49 hectares of vineyards. The most famous plot is Block 20, a gently sloping, north-west-facing plot that produces the grapes for the flagship Art Series Chardonnay. The vines here are of the Gin Gin clone and produce small berries with bright acidity and a persistent flavour.

Terroir

Margaret River is situated on the south-westernmost tip of Australia, surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The climate here is maritime and stable, with warm days cooled by sea breezes. Rainfall, which is abundant in winter, drops sharply during the growing season, so the vines rely on deep soil reserves. Summer temperatures are very similar to those in Bordeaux, although the growing season here is slightly longer. The soils are ancient, lateritic gravel on granite, well-drained and nutrient-poor.

Grape varieties

The vineyard mainly grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, as well as small quantities of Shiraz, Semillon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

Winemaking

The winemaking approach focuses on minimal intervention in the vineyard. Since 2002, all wines have been bottled with screw caps. The winemaking team is led by Head Winemaker Tim Lovett.

Wines

Leeuwin produces wines in three price categories.

The Art Series sits at the top end, comprising five wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, each featuring a label with a new painting commissioned from an Australian artist. The Art Series Chardonnay was rated ‘Exceptional’ in the Langton’s Guide, Australia’s benchmark wine auction rating, whilst the Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon was rated ‘Outstanding’.

The Prelude Vineyards range is designed for earlier drinking, whilst the Siblings brand, which refers to the next generation of the family, offers more affordable wines.

Together, they produce around 60,000 cases a year, which are exported to 30 markets worldwide.