2018 ART SERIES SHIRAZ, Leeuwin Estate. Margaret River, Western Australia

Margaret River is Western Australia’s best known region, for good reason – the mild maritime climate produces elegant wines with natural freshness. Since the 1980s it has been the leading light for the move towards finesse and balance in Australian wine, away from the brash and heavy stereotype.

98% Shiraz, 2% Malbec. 20% fermented as whole bunches. All matured for 18 months in French oak, (one third new, one third one year old, one third two year old).

Denis and Tricia Hogan converted a cattle farm to a wine estate in the 1970s, the first vintage being 1979. They have been the leading light in the area ever since, with the Art Series Chardonnay always flying the flag as the leading example of the variety in the whole country.

The estate is now run by the next generation – and Simone Hogan-Furlong came to the Old Bridge in October 2022 to show us (and our customers) the whole range. It was a very impressive tasting!

Leeuwin are renowned for Chardonnay and then Cabernet. But the Shiraz was the big surprise of our recent tasting. Rich but fresh, very much in Northern Rhône style.