“The foundation vineyard of Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet is the 1975-planted Block 8. The vineyard is meticulously managed to promote the development of high intensity fruit and fine classical grainy tannins. Although the growing season and maritime climate are similar to Bordeaux, the atmospheric conditions, lateritic soils, Karri forests and bush-garrigue bring a very different and highly particular set of challenges. The region also has an astonishing diversity of bird life which presents difficulties. Most vineyards are nowadays netted after veraison to stave off the squadrons of Australian ringneck 28ers (Twenty Eight Parrots). Deep crimson. Classical blackcurrant cedar aromas with lifted espresso, roasted chestnut notes. Inky deep and beautifully concentrated wine with dense blackcurrant, dark plum, dark chocolate flavours, fine grainy/chocolaty tannins and perfectly integrated cedar oak. A superb grainy firm finish and mineral length. A great Leeuwin Estate Cabernet. Now – 2040”.

“One of the last wines released from the great 2018 Margaret River vintage, this has to be one of the finest cabernets yet from Leeuwin. Supremely balanced and poised with stylish lines through to a very long finish. Scented aromas of cedar and leafy blackcurrant with a trace of oyster shell. The palate is quite brilliant with the distinct chalky tannins and super fine grained oak holding the fruit gently to its extended finish. Great wine here.”

“Leeuwin Estate is for me one of the most Bordeaux like of Margaret River’s top line cabernets with its vineyard location at the southern end of the region helping to produce savoury wine styles. It can be a challenge in cooler vintages but when the vintage gods are kind, it is a recipe for something very special, as we have here. Deep crimson, it opens up with understated, but enthralling aromas of red currant, blackcurrant, woody asparagus stems, cedar and cassis with a solid backbone of new oak. There is then great density of fruit to the palate, again not bold but reserved and full of energy; a young, tight ball of vibrant, stylish and youthful flavours exceptionally well balanced with manicured tannins which support an incredibly long, elegant finish. Super impressive and a new benchmark for this label.”

“Dense, nutty, a bit minty too, tight and controlled, with blueberry and cassia bark perfume. Silty smooth tannin, texture is a highlight, a distinct ‘mineral’ sort of character, something of a hazelnut toffee flavour, mid-weight and sure-footed, such a wonderful nutty chew to it, red and black fruits and a long persuasively tannic finish. Excellent.”