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. Viticulture and Winemaking The Land Leeuwin Estate winery is located just south of the Margaret River township, virtually equidistant between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste. The property lies almost at the tension point between the Southern and Indian Oceans. The atmospheric energy has a significant impact on growing season and tempers Margaret River’s Mediterranean climate. According to viticulturalist David Winstanley, the region receives most of its rainfall during winter, but intermittent spring rains, carried by frontal systems from the ocean, bring more moisture into the soils. By the time of flowering, in late spring, drier and sunnier weather conditions prevail. As the grapes ripen, warm summer conditions are moderated by cool onshore breezes. Significant heat spikes rarely occur because of this refrigerating effect. The vineyards are rarely, if ever, stressed, highlighting the unique location of Margaret River and the relative stability of the seasons. The Boodjidup Creek system, which flows west to the Indian Ocean, is the ‘major’ geomorphic feature in the development of the complex soil landscape of Leeuwin Estate. Over the last million years an ancient lateritic plateau has been carved and shaped by
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Volume 1 – Leeuwin Estate
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