2021 Art Series, Shiraz, Leeuwin Estate

Lifted and ethereal on the nose owing to 2021’s cooler growing season and a judicious 30% whole-bunch, this is yet another beautiful Shiraz from Leeuwin Estate. Margaret River may be best known for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but Shiraz thrives here too, resulting at Leeuwin in wines that are less rich and fresher than the stereotypical Aussie Shiraz. It’s no coincidence that Tim chose to age the ‘21 in 600L demi-muids, just like you’d encounter in Cornas or Côte-Rôtie. Expect aromas of tapenade, scrub, violets and sticking paster. Medium-bodied with racy acidity and polished tannins, the 2021 Art Series Shiraz is, frankly, already delicious, but will only improve from now to 2030. Simone and family have made a policy of choosing paintings by First Nation artists to adorn Art Series Shiraz. In ’21 the artist is Ngarra, with a piece entitled ‘Badjerrungngu and Manganda’.