then, original ambitions have been respected, but new perspectives and improvements have been made over the last 20 years. Of note is Leeuwin Estate’s commitment to sustainability and conservation. The previously neatly managed vineyards have become a ‘mess’ of vine health, biodiversity and energy, but the quality of fruit, as the wines attest, has progressed. During recent times, Winstanley’s experience and knowledge has also been backed up by Augusta local Lane Williams, as Assistant Viticulturist, with over 20 years experience in the region 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
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The Vintage Journal – Great Estates Series
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