Coonawarra & Margaret River Cabernet: Panel Tasting Results
Leeuwin Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 tops Decanter.com’s list of Coonawarra and Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon with 95+ points (18.75/20 points).
Leeuwin Estate, Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River 2010
Since 2002, led by winemaker Paul Atwood, working with viticulturist David Winstanley, Leeuwin has embarked on a new programme to refine its Cabernet so that it would stand shoulder to shoulder with the Art Series Chardonnay at the top of the varietal tree. With 38 years of vine age, the best batches of fruit come from moderate-yielding, home-block estate vines grown on free-draining, gravelly soils and picked at optimum ripening followed by a gentle fermentation and blending to French oak.
Roger Jones: Eucalyptus on nose and palate. Savoury leather and a touch of coffee very fresh fruit and oak. Lovely bursts of vanilla which softens the wine. A fantastic Cabernet that needs another year to perform at its best.
Pierre Mansour: Youthful, stylish blackberry fruit that opens up in the glass. Amazingly pure aroma, and a dense palate, which is full of generous, sweet fruit. This wine is attractive, pleasurable and long. Stunning!
Anthony Rose: Broodingly youthful nose with a touch of mint. Vigorous, almost chunky red with subdued, elemental aromas. Powerful, sweet, ripe cherry fruit and evolving fine tannins. The brightness of fruit, spicy oak polish and the finesse of tannins suggest an even brighter future.