Senior winemaker Tim Lovett, who joined Leeuwin Estate in 2010, describes his role as ‘translating the vineyard to the glass’. He succeeded the highly regarded Paul Atwood as the estate’s third senior winemaker. Although Lovett inherited an unbroken track record of success, he was also the right person to steer Leeuwin Estate into the future. After graduating in agricultural science at the University of Adelaide, he worked as an understudy with some of Australia’s most enlightened thinkers, including winemakers Tom Carson, Robb Mann, Cliff Royle and, of course, Paul Atwood, whose collaborative and generous nature allowed Tim Lovett to take over the role seamlessly. Their detailed approach, curiosity and love for wine instilled a discipline that combined science, empathy and creativity. Tim Lovett’s open can-do personality, drive and ambition aligned with the Horgan work ethic, and these qualities, and workload, are shared by winemaker Phil Hutchison, a Curtin University graduate who joined Leeuwin Estate in 2010. Previously, ‘Hutchy’ worked at Xanadu, Mount Langi Ghiran and in France (Bordeaux and Châteauneuf du Pape). The technical team also includes assistant winemaker Breac Wheatley. ‘WE ALL TRUST EACH OTHER TO DO OUR BIT. EVERYONE AT LEEUWIN ESTATE, INCLUDING VINEYARD WORKERS, CELLAR HANDS, FRONT-OF-HOUSE STAFF AND THE SALES TEAM, HAS A ROLE TO PLAY. IT IS THIS COLLABORATIVE CULTURE AND FEELING OF BEING ON THE SAME JOURNEY THAT MAKES LEEUWIN ESTATE A SPECIAL PLACE TO WORK.’ David Winstanley, Viticulturalist Over the last 30 years Leeuwin Estate has built on its successes and further invested in vineyards, wine-making technology, oak maturation and skills, assisted by longstanding distributors and agents around the world. Certification by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia highlights increasing investment in regenerative agriculture, conservation and sustainable practices. Denis Horgan’s brilliance as a chartered accountant and succession planner has seen a completely new generation take over the running of the business without any sign of weakness. The transition from the first generation to the next is now complete, with Justin Horgan and sister Simone Furlong working as co-managing directors. Together with their siblings, Rebecca and Christian, and a third generation of nine cousins, they continue to work towards and beyond Tricia and Denis Horgan’s ambitions. Succession has been seamless and has allowed Leeuwin Estate to build momentum without distraction.
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