Leeuwin Estate has sixty-two acres of Chardonnay vines divided into eight distinct parcels. The soil and slopes of the plantings differ in each area and the cultural aspects of the viticulture are tailored to each parcel, therefore varying slightly. Since the 1980 vintage Leeuwin Estate has adhered to vertical training and leaf removal to present the Chardonnay fruit properly to the light. The soil management has remained the same since inception. Variations and deficiencies in the soils of individual blocks have not been completely corrected so that the wines reflect the soil wherever possible.

Each plot is harvested separately and kept separate throughout the winemaking and some of the maturation programme. The wines reflect these differences intimately and unfailingly from the beginning. For example, Block 20, the "Front Gate" Chardonnay, always is the basis and the backbone of the "Art Series" wine. The young wine begins with true varietal power of great delicacy which then actually requires up to 12 months of lees contact in new French Oak in order to draw out the complexity; losing none of that essential balance in the process.

The "Art Series" represents Leeuwin's most opulent and age-worthy wines. They are identified with paintings commissioned from leading contemporary Australian Artists. The "Art Series" wines have obtained outstanding reviews and classifications, the Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons in particular continue to be collector wines and command lofty prices at auctions the world over.

Today the wines of Leeuwin Estate continue to be prized amongst collectors. Australia's largest wine auction house, Langton's, classifies Leeuwin's "Art Series" Chardonnay in the top "exceptional" category of Australia's best performers, and the "Art Series" Cabernet as a wine of excellence.

Top Vintages

2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1987