2023 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay

Nutty lees, fine cedar, finger lime, pineapple husk, nougat, clove, white peach, pear, ginger, woodsmoke. The palate shows controlled power and incredibly smooth texture. It`s at once powerful and lifted — cashew cream, pear, lime, white peach, fine cedar again with the smoky nuance and the nutty tones hovering. The phenolics are beautifully connected to the fruit with saline acidity as it carries to wondrous length. There`s approachability now, but structure, integrity and balance to go forever. A phenomenal release. 96 points (5 stars)

Tasted as a barrel sample in January 2024, this 2023 Art Series Chardonnay is inchoate at this stage, but it shows all the finesse and precision of the year that I was expecting. At this point, it is floral and waxy and defined very much by lashings of aromatic pear in every way you like it: poached, baked or fresh cut. There`s loads of time before this wine will be ready for release, but I feel we will be in for a treat. The wine will be bottled and sealed with a screw cap in July or August 2024 and released in March 2025. 96-98 points