History
Leeuwin Estate, a founding winery of Western Australia's Margaret River region, was established in 1973 by Denis and Tricia Horgan. Originally a cattle farm purchased in 1969, the property was identified by Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi in 1972 as ideal for premium wine production. With Mondavi's mentorship, the Horgans planted Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir, releasing their first vintage in 1979. The winery gained international fame when Decanter Magazine named the 1980 Art Series Chardonnay the world's best in 1982. Now led by three generations, including Justin Horgan and Simone Furlong, Leeuwin exports to over 30 markets and remains family-owned.
Viticulture Philosophy
Leeuwin's 121-acre vineyard benefits from Margaret River's maritime climate, with warm days and cool nights, and free-draining laterite gravel soils over granite. The estate focuses on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, with low yields ensuring concentrated fruit. Sustainable practices emphasize minimal intervention, preserving vine health and ecosystem balance. Block 20, the source for Art Series Chardonnay, features 25-year-old Gin Gin clone vines, yielding bright acidity and delicate flavors.
Winemaking Techniques
Under senior winemaker Tim Lovett since 2011, Leeuwin blends tradition with innovation in its state-of-the-art winery. The Art Series Chardonnay involves hand-picking, whole-bunch pressing, and fermentation in French oak barrels (Tronçais and Allier), with malolactic fermentation (0-60% depending on vintage) and extended lees aging for depth. Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon ages in French oak for structure. Prelude and Siblings wines use less oak for early-drinking vibrancy. All wines have used screw caps since 2002.
Critics and Journalist Praises
Leeuwin's Art Series Chardonnay is lauded as Australia's finest by James Halliday, consistently earning 95+ points and inclusion in Langton's “Exceptional” Classification. The 1987 vintage won Decanter's Wine of the Year, and recent vintages maintain this legacy. The Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon, rated “Distinguished” by Langton's, is praised by Robert Parker as a top Bordeaux-style Cabernet. Wine & Spirits named Leeuwin “International Winery of the Year” three times. The winery's restaurant and art gallery, featuring works by Australian artists like John Olsen, also receive acclaim for enhancing the visitor experience.
