I’ve known about the greatness of Leeuwin Estate ever since I visited Margaret River back in 2001 but have never properly considered stocking their wines. Undoubtedly brilliant wines and world renowned, particularly the Art Series Chardonnay and Cabernet which are genuinely on a par with top Burgundy and Bordeaux but unfortunately their prices leave me shaking with fear. Leeuwin Estate is a benchmark Margaret River family winery with an outstanding international reputation for producing wines ranking with the world’s finest. One of the icon wineries of Australia, it has earned an international reputation for making wines that rank alongside the world’s finest. So imagine my joy when this great producer of wine brings out an entry level range that retains all of the hallmarks from this iconic grower. This Shiraz from the Leeuwin Estate Siblings range – £17 (which also includes an oaked Sauvignon Blanc Semillon) is sourced from estate and contract vineyards. A heady blast of creamy raspberry fruit laced with violets is joined by spicy, black pepper-edged and succulent blood plum and damson on the palate – nice use of whole bunch for spice and frame (15% of the grapes were kept as whole bunches). Medium-bodied with fresh acidity and savoury spice and charcuterie notes (it’s aged in 30% new and older French oak barrels for 18 months), this highly drinkable blend of 99% Shiraz with 1% Viognier has more than a hint of the Rhône about it.
http://oldlockett.making.me.uk/shop/leeuwin-estate-the-siblings-shiraz/
