Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz Margaret River’s reputation is primarily connected to chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, but Tim Lovett believes that shiraz has ‘awesome potential’ and will be seen as a leading variety in the region. The aromas, fine textures and medium weight of the evolving Leeuwin Art Series Shiraz is consistent with the increasing popularity of Burgundian and Rhône styles. Increasingly, Australian grenache and shiraz are becoming alternatives to pinot noir. There has been substantial investment in developing and defining an Art Series Shiraz style. New French (470) and New Zealand (Waldron) clones have been sourced that suit cooler sites and these plantings are making an added difference. But the backbone of Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz is the 1999-planted vineyard at Forest Grove, only 20 minutes from the ocean. Cool nights and onshore breezes during the heat of summer are helpful in achieving balanced flavours and acidity. Tim Lovett employs techniques that suit medium-bodied styles. Although his references are the classic Syrah wines of the Northern Rhône, Tim Lovett aims to make a wine of precision and strong regional identity. After the grapes are harvested, a detailed winemaking blueprint unfolds. The berries are typically hand sorted and lightly crushed to allow at least 20% whole bunches in the vinification. After a cold soak to release polyphenols, the wines are inoculated with yeasts to kick off fermentation. At dryness the wine is pressed off into seasoned and 30% new Burgundian oak, where it is allowed to complete secondary fermentation. Half of the wine is then aged in Demi Muid (600-litre barrels) and the other half in barriques (225- or 228-litre barrels) for 18 months. Style Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz is a medium-weighted style with red and blackberry fruits, attractive mid palate silkiness, and richness, and plentiful lacy tannins. The wines are generous in flavour with well-integrated structures. ‘A little bit of stick’ gives the wine vigour and length.
46
The Vintage Journal – Great Estates Series
Powered by FlippingBook