Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2003

BN#184918

Leeuwin Estate

The colour is bright straw with lime green hues. The fresh nose is typical Leeuwin, with lifted aromas of dried pear and ripe peach accompanied by hints of cashews and integrated French oak. These flavours combine into a finely balanced bouquet; the result of very low yielding vines matched with subtle winemaking to preserve the richness of the fruit. The palate displays the mouth filling and intense flavours of dried pears with the middle palate showing richness from both the fruit and the lees stirring. The length, always a feature of Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay, is long and full flavoured with a lingering fresh citrus finish. The new French oak complements the fruit providing a wonderful balance of warm toasty flavours on the finish.

Wine Spectator

Rich, ripe and seamless, not quite as dense as some vintages, but it has real elegance. It plays its citrusy pineapple, guava, pear and spice flavors over a polished frame, letting them linger effortlessly. Could gain greater depth with age. Drink now through 2015. 400 cases made.

Score: 94. —Harvey Steiman, November 15, 2006.

Wine Advocate

The classic 2003 Chardonnay Art Series was aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months, but you would never know that. It boasts a layered, white peach and honeyed citrus bouquet intermixed with subtle background wood smoke. Medium to full-bodied with excellent acidity, minerality, and structure, this beauty will be even better with another 1-2 years of bottle age. It should last for 6-7+ years.

Score: 93. —Robert Parker, December 2006.