One of the world’s best boutique winery regions, Margaret River has more awards for its wines despite only providing 2% of Australia’s volume. Established 50 years ago, Leeuwin Estate, one of the founding vineyards, is renowned for its annual concert featuring many of the world’s greatest artists.

Food exquisite, wines exceptional, weather benign, the Estate’s trademark Kookaburra birds on song made this weekend designed especially for us an experience to remember.

Saturday evening started with canapes accompanied by 2014 Leeuwin Estate Brut sparkling wine. Chef Dan enthusiastically explained his use of local produce in the tasting menu.

Two wines accompanied each course. The first was the current release of Leeuwin Estate’s Art Series together with a ‘museum’ release of the same wine from an earlier vintage. It was a special opportunity to taste contrast of age and preparation.

Each Art Series wine is dedicated to a particular artwork, which forms part of the label, specifically chosen each year for each variety.

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Geraldton yellowtail kingfish
black bean, ginger, spring onion
2017 & 2009 Art Series Riesling

Delicate king salmon grilled to perfection
cucumber, ajo blanco, dill
2015 & 2009 Art Series Chardonnay

Majestically-prepared local Margaret River Wagyu beef
mustard seeds, smoked croquette
2014 & 2011 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Exceptional selection of cheese
2015 & 2011 Art Series Shiraz

Refreshed despite the after effects of a fortified ruby wine from Palmer’s Vineyard, a wine tour and tasting was next at Leeuwin Estate. We saw the wine-making process, facilities and mechanisms which was not only educational but also entertaining.

On Sunday, Leeuwin Estate owner and long-term Chaîne member Denis Horgan, Professionnel du Vin, and his wife Tricia joined us. We learned more of region’s history and its unsurpassed array of accolades and awards. We visited the recently refurbished art gallery containing a most impressive private collection of original Australian contemporary art.

Luncheon was enjoyed in magnificent spring weather with current releases of Art Series Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines complemented by “Prelude” versions of the same wines. A fitting memory of the Estate and its conurbation of boutique wines, series and vintages.

All in all it was a fabulous event in an iconic venue with first class service, perfectly-prepared and imagined courses matched by exceptional wines enhancing our experience. We will certainly make a sojourn in the Margaret River vineyard region an annual event.

Vive la Chaîne!

Keith Swailes
Vice-Chargé de Presse