2018 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 750ml

Critic tasting note: "Leeuwin's top Chardonnay is set for the long haul. Currently fairly tightly wound, melon, marzipan and flint notes peek through the cracks. There's a lovely crunch of acidity, textural weight and depth on the medium-weight palate, brightened by a tang of citrus and stone fruit. Elegant with a saline finish, this should age with grace for another decade (2032) or more. Christina Pickard" - 94/100, Wine Enthusiast Drinking Window: 2021-2032 Vintage Notes An excellent vintage across all varietals. Winter of 2017 was typically wet, with Chardonnay being the first variety to burst in late August, followed by the Riesling and Cabernet through September. Flowering in all varieties was approximately ten days earlier than in vintage 2017, and Chardonnay cap fall was mostly complete by November 13. Spring was met by generally mild conditions, with the usual showery and sunny periods resulting in excellent set across most varieties. Summer was warm with very few hot days, and veraison occurred two weeks earlier than in 2017. 2018 was a spectacular year for flowering of the local Marri trees, which kept birds distracted from the ripening vineyards. Harvest commenced in the Riesling in the middle of February, followed by Chardonnay a week later. Winemaking Cool destemmed fruit with some skin contact. The juice was settled for 3 days, racked and inoculated with yeast. 100% of the juice was barrel fermented in new French oak barriques and the lees stirred regularly. After 11 months in barrels the various components were blended, fined, cold stabilized and bottled. Ageing: 11 months. Producer Tasting Notes Immaculate, powerful, intense nose with purity and clarity of primary fruit characterised by pear, white peach, lime curd and custard apple. There are infinite layers of brioche, grilled hazelnuts, cinnamon quill, shaved nutmeg, black cardamom and almond meal. A thread of graphite in the background adds elegant complexity. Penetration and drive with incredible shape and frame on the palate. The symmetry of layers, contours and overall balance is precise. Pear, cut lime and nectarine are definite throughout. Sweet spice and elegant oak use sit neatly with the fruit, underlined by a delicate acid line, leading to a palate with effortless length.