The Story of Leeuwin Estate Leeuwin Estate initially planted 97 hectares over a five-year period, initially under the supervision of Stan Heritage, a contract viticulturalist from South Australia. This was an enormous investment, the largest vineyard planting in the State. Varieties included chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, riesling, sauvignon blanc, semillon and gewürztraminer. According to Denis Horgan, Robert Mondavi was instrumental in finding the right people to join the project. The appointment of viticulturalist John Brocksopp and winemaker Bob Cartwright (28 vintages) was enlightened and lasting. Their very long careers at Leeuwin Estate shaped the direction, quality and style of the wines. The Leeuwin Estate team also included Polish immigrant farm manager Henry Kowalski, a Father Christmas character inherited from the previous owner who brought a sense of magic, wisdom and local knowledge. The first vignerons of the Margaret River also sought each other’s company to share first-hand knowledge, contacts and a glass of wine.
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