Leeuwin Estate 'Art Series' Chardonnay 2010

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay needs no introduction. It is an icon of Australian wine and is one of Langton's Heritage Five which celebrates Australia's most exceptional and ground-breaking wines - the other four being Penfolds Grange, Henschke Hill of Grace, Mount Mary Quintet and Wendouree Shiraz. It is often compared favourably with great White Burgundies.

"The 2010 Art Series Chardonnay is the greatest Australian chardonnay I have ever tasted and is the equal of the greatest White Burgundies. This wine screams class right from the outset. So where to begin? The nose is tight, fine, reserved, elegant and creamy, with stone-fruit (nectarine) and citrus highlights. The palate is incredibly long, supple and refined, with the fruit characters evident, but not obvious. There is a subtly to this wine that is disarming, given the amazing length and intensity of the fruit. This is a truly great wine that needs 5 years to open up and will last for 15 years." Brendan Jansen MW

The Art Series Chardonnay is sourced primarily from the 1976-planted Block 20 and supplemented with fruit from the 1978-planted Block 22. The quality of the vineyard is well recognised and remains the backbone of the Art Series Chardonnay. The vineyard blocks are planted to the Gingin clone on a series of rolling hills facing all directions.

"A deceptively complex and incredibly youthful nose that features cut pear, fresh quince and lemon blossom. A savoury line is also evident with sesame brittle, cinnamon stick, rice wafer and hints of cornmeal. On the palate, woven layers of intense white fleshed fruits, diligent oak handling and effortless texture meet seamlessly and are driven by a mineral saline acid spine. Pears, grapefruit and white nectarine are the key fruits of the palate, which is focused with remarkable length and possesses amazing longevity.” Leeuwin Estate