In keeping with the Aussie theme from a recent Grange dinner (1997-2001, 1998 was the clear winner), this was brought as a starter.
With about 9yrs on it, this is the oldest Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay I’ve had, and I’m impressed at the evolution. Slightly reductive (sweet smoke) upon opening, but it added great character. Color was a beautiful deep yellow (but not oxidized gold). Tropical (white peach, nectarine) but also honeyed cashews and honeysuckle aromatically. Great depth on the mid-palate with added tropical notes carried by faint oak but a distinct mineral driven finish. Drinking beautifully. Wish I had more. — 2 years ago
Nose has lemon zest with some pith, over-ripe pear, quinine, crushed limestone and lemon slice.
Palate has candied lemon, dehydrated lemon, under-ripe nectarine (or any yellow stonefruit), faint orange flesh note on the medium finish, clean.
A great wine to enjoy by a roaring fire in the chiminea this sunny afternoon. — 3 years ago
Nectarine, white peach, rhubarb, herbal. Local summer. IYKYK. — 8 months ago
This is “will never forget the first time I tried it” level. Definitely greatest wine I’ve ever tasted in its category, possibly best sweet wine. Starts much paler than I expected, light gold. Nose is a journey, surprises with freshness, liveliness though with the highest concentration imaginable. White peach, white nectarine, lychee, rose water, intense white florals, an after-rain sense of freshness. On the palate yet another surprise: so much minerality (!!!) that the intensity gets carried by bright, almost riesling-like acidity and the insane amount of sugar is so well balanced that it’s barely noticeable until the crazy long finish. What a ride!!! — 2 years ago
White pear, white peach, nectarine, crushed stone, white pepper, high acidity. Expensive Rose. May or may not be worth it. — 3 years ago
Kristen Grimes
Alpine flowers on the nose, rounder on the palate with lemon and lime citrus, ripe nectarine, and gravelly minerality on the finish. Yum!!
50% Grüner Veltliner, 40% Welschriesling, 10% Muskat — 3 days ago