2019 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon Australia

Family-owned, Leeuwin Estate, one of the five founding wineries of the now famous Margaret River district of Western Australia, is under the direction of two generations who work with a team of highly skilled winemakers to consistently produce wines ranking alongside the world’s finest. In 1972, legendary Napa Valley winemaker, Robert Mondavi, identified the future site of the Leeuwin vineyard as being ideal for the production of premium wine and provided early mentorship to Denis and Tricia Horgan in the transformation of their cattle farm into Leeuwin Estate. Enjoying its first commercial vintage in 1979, Leeuwin was thrust into the international spotlight when Decanter Magazine gave its highest recommendation to the 1981 “Art Series” Chardonnay. The international accolades have continued and Leeuwin now exports to 30 markets. Celebrating the combination of fine wine, food, art, and music, Leeuwin features an award-winning restaurant, cellar door, and art gallery. The Estate is renowned for staging spectacular events and welcoming visitors from around the world.

Leeuwin Estate releases wines under the Art Series, Prelude Vineyards, and Siblings labels. The “Art Series” represents Leeuwin’s most opulent and age-worthy wines and is identified with paintings commissioned from leading contemporary Australian Artists. Prelude Vineyards wines are made from fruit-producing the most readily expressive wines, with the objective that they will drink well soon after release, whilst the Siblings label celebrates family lineage and the three generations now leaving their footprints on Leeuwin Estate. They all share a place amongst the great wines of Australia, receiving much international acclaim and attention. Leeuwin’s Art Series Chardonnay and Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon are included in the wine auction house, Langton’s, prestigious classification. 

97% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Malbec. Deep, dark, and black core of fruit centered upon currants, blueberries, dark cherries, and cassis. Black cardamom, nutmeg, tobacco, cumin, and well-integrated oak surround and support an incredibly rich dense nose. Impressive weight and texture are at the forefront, powerfully fruited in the black and blue fruit spectrum combine with cacao, roasted coffee bean, and anise. The length is infinite and defined by bright acidity, powder-like tannins, and diligent oak.

The 2019 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon has an admirable fruit presence in the mouth. As an immediate follow-up from the great 2018 vintage, the 2019 vintage was cooler and wetter, but the average quality across the region was excellent. In many corners, the quality is argued as being on par with the 2019; it comes down to a matter of preference. Here, the wine is elegant and fine, very aromatic. It's an excellent wine and a clear statement about the direction and refinement of the Cabernet program at Leeuwin. ~96+ Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

~96 The Wine Front

 This cuvee has improved with global warming, promoting better ripening patterns in Margaret River’s southern sector where this address lies. Still, elements of pimento and verdant garden herbs are slotted in amidst aromas of red and blackcurrant, lilac, sage, black olive and thyme. There is much to love about this wine, almost resembling a riper Loire franc. While the astringent gristle should tone with bottle age, I am tasting what’s in front of me. This should age reasonably well, even if rather green as it stands. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. Screw cap. ~92 James Suckling