2017 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

‘A majestic cabernet.’ 97 Points & 5 Stars Huon Hooke

Brilliantly deep, brooding red/purple colour. The bouquet is fresh and vibrant, with loads of cassis, violet and blackberry varietal fruit, expertly infused with cedary oak notes. The wine is very intense and powerful, full-bodied and well structured, the cassis flavours rocketing through on the very extended finish and aftertaste. A majestic cabernet.

97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

Wow. Silky smooth aromas of red berries, grey minerality (granite, graphite etc) and breaths of oceans air whispered about. The palate is exactly as the nose promises, elegant and refined. Length of flavour is where this really kicks into gear, extending seamlessly across the palate, lingering and swirling in its profile. Beautiful, classical cabernet from a cool vintage. What a pleasure this is.

97 points  Special Vaue Erin Larkin winecompanion.com.au

A follow up to a strong run of vintages, 2017 shows a slightly more refined, classical side of Leeuwin Estate’s Cabernet. The Horgan family’s flagship red has always been about elegance over excess, and under their long stewardship the Art Series range continues to deliver wines that age with grace. While often overshadowed by the estate’s iconic Chardonnay, this Cabernet remains one of Margaret River’s most quietly consistent performers.

The 2017 season brought a cooler, more measured ripening period compared to the warmth of 2016, shaping a wine with detail, structure and aromatic lift. Margaret River’s maritime influence once again plays a key role, preserving freshness and defining that balance between fruit and savoury complexity.

Deep ruby with a garnet edge, the aromatics are finely layered. Red and blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry lead, followed by violet, bay leaf and a gentle herbal lift. There is a savoury thread running through, with cedar, graphite and a touch of tobacco beginning to emerge.

The palate leans toward finesse rather than power. Medium to full bodied, with finely etched tannins carrying dark fruit and subtle spice. The structure is firm but polished, supported by a line of acidity that keeps everything focused and persistent. Oak is well judged, adding texture and gentle spice without overshadowing the fruit.

This style is a natural fit for dishes that highlight its savoury edge. Roast lamb, grilled beef, or game dishes all work beautifully, as do earthy elements like mushrooms or lentils that echo the wine’s complexity.

Drinking well now with some air, though it will reward patience over the next ten to fifteen years as it softens and develops more tertiary character.

There is a quiet composure here, a Cabernet that speaks more in detail than volume, reflecting both the vintage and the enduring style of one of Margaret River’s benchmark estates.