2022 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River

The 2022 season was warm and low-yielding, particularly for Chardonnay, and many of the wines produced in the region this season can be typified by their nuttiness and a distinct chamomile tea/white flower character. Here, the 2022 Art Series Chardonnay is showing both of those characters, neatly wedged into the authoritative profile of Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay. Today, for perhaps the first time ever in seeing these wines on release, I note that the oak is a key player in the drinking experience—as ever, seamlessly matched to the fruit and an important part of the wine's style and evident here today. There are toasted nuts, yellow fruits, exotic spices and an open fan of acidity/phenolics through the finish. This 2022 will prove to be a powerful and statuesque player in the wider footprint of Art Series Chardonnays. It's one to collect, but for drinking in the short/immediate term, decanting is recommended. Sealed under screw cap.

97 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

Concentrated and intense, the nose shows a fruit core of nashi pear, finger limes and Lisbon lemon, with delicate complex layers of nougat, brioche, chamomile, galangal, sesame praline, macadamia and heightened notes of wattle blossom, jasmine and lime flowers. The palate is detailed and ethereal. Pear greets nectarine, white peach and lemon curd. Woven and harmonious, it unfolds to a graphite and mineral thread, with a touch of sherbet, aniseed and cardamom. Gentle textures open through the mid-palate with vibrant natural acidity, amidst a black tea, talc and chalk-like finish featuring characteristic length.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay from Margaret River is one of Australia’s benchmark wines, a masterpiece that has earned its place as one of the country's finest expressions of Chardonnay. Known for its exceptional balance of richness and freshness, this wine consistently impresses with its complexity and ageability. Leeuwin Estate, a pioneer in the Margaret River region, has been producing world-class wines since the 1970s, and the Art Series Chardonnay remains the jewel in their crown.

The fruit for this wine comes from the estate’s best vineyards, where the combination of coastal proximity and the region’s varied soils allows the Chardonnay to develop deep, concentrated flavors while maintaining a vibrant acidity. Winemaker Tim Lovett has a light-touch approach to winemaking, with the fruit spending time in French oak, which gives the wine structure and complexity but never overwhelms the delicate citrus and stone fruit notes. The result is a Chardonnay that combines the best of both worlds—ripe fruit and refreshing acidity, with the depth and subtlety that oak maturation brings.

The Art Series Chardonnay greets you with a beautifully aromatic nose of ripe peaches, lemon curd, and a hint of roasted nuts, alongside delicate floral and spice notes. On the palate, it’s both opulent and balanced, with a creamy texture that’s perfectly lifted by the wine’s natural acidity. The flavors evolve with every sip, revealing layers of citrus zest, nectarine, and a touch of vanillin from the oak. The finish is long and vibrant, with a mineral edge that adds to its elegance. This is a wine that will continue to develop and evolve over the years, rewarding those who cellar it.

What truly sets this Chardonnay apart is its remarkable value for money. Compared to top-tier Burgundy Chardonnays, which can often be prohibitively expensive, Leeuwin Estate’s Art Series offers a comparable quality for a fraction of the price. For collectors, it’s a wine that demands attention, with its ability to age gracefully and its consistent performance in international wine competitions. Whether enjoyed now or stored for the future, this Chardonnay is a testament to the potential of Margaret River and the artistry of winemaker Tim Lovett.

Perfect with roasted poultry, rich seafood like lobster or scallops, or even dishes like risotto with mushrooms, this Chardonnay is a versatile food partner. It’s a wine that offers both immediate pleasure and the potential for further discovery as it evolves in the bottle.