2013 Leeuwin "Art Series" Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River Western Australia

Destemmed, crushed, matured for 12 months in French oak (40% new). The unadorned purity of this cabernet follows precisely in the footsteps of its predecessors. It is unlike most other Margaret River cabernets, a red brother to the Art Series Chardonnay, even if not quite as magical as that wine. The '13 regional vintage was highly rated at the time, a rating justified today. *Gold*

This wine is consistently great, there is a reason Leeuwin has the reputation that they do. This is the boldest, richest wine that I have had from them. It still has that classic red fruit but it is heavier and darker, it is almost dank, in the best possible way. The fruit is accentuated with a savory earthy, spice notes, you cannot keep yourself from going back to nose it again and again. The heaviness of the nose is not echoed on the palate. It is full and intense but structured and delineated. Rich, complex, great fruit foiled by savory complexity, bold but not heavy. This is great Cab from a Great producer and the best thing about it is drinking great now. That was a lot of greats, and it deserves every one of them.