Winemaker Notes
The “Art Series” represents Leeuwin’s most opulent & ageworthy wines from each vintage. They are identified with paintings commissioned from leading contemporary Australian artists.
A dark and dense nose of blue and blackberries dominate the nose, complimented by a lifted and fragrant aromatic profile. Perfumed violets amongst black cardamom, olive, anise, cloves, and bay leaf provide subtle and classical layers. The palate has concentration, depth, and poise set with a blackberry, cherry and mulberry fruit spectrum. Layers and contours unfold into cassia, cocoa, and coffee beans through the mid-palate. There is a vibrancy and seamless structure given a finely laced acid line and gravelly tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is red-fruited and effortless-feeling, with an abundance of berries and raspberries, nori and kelp, iodine and crushed shells. It has saline acidity woven throughout, and the fruit possesses a velvety sheen—like the skin of a ripe peach—which plays out across the length of the palate.It is one of the best Cabernets produced in the 2014 vintage in Margaret River. The freshness of it is its enduring asset.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is both Leeuwin and Margaret River at their best. This classic wine is drinking beautifully now, but could still withstand bottle age. The nose is open and expressive: bright currant fruit, dried tobacco leaf, rose petals, and an umami savoriness lift from the glass. There’s elegance and finesse on the palate amidst Cab’s characteristically powerful tannins, which, in this case, are closely knitted and chalky textured. The fruit crunches while a herbal thread laces it all together. Drink now through 2034.
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James Suckling
At first, the fresh herbs, such as eucalyptus and mint, really captivate, but this turns into blue fruits such as blackcurrants and blueberries. A hint of pine needles and mahogany, too. The palate has the answer to the punchy acidity as it shows a nice serving of fruit. This finishes chewy. Drink in 2021.
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Wine Spectator
Stylish, fresh and vibrant, with taut cherry and currant flavors at the core, accented by notes of pepper, tobacco and fresh herb. Finds a balance between density and polish. Cigar box details linger on the finish. Drink now through 2030.
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Wine & Spirits
Smooth and saturated with clean, dark currant fruit, this holds gentle brightness in a soft, mature cabernet. It’s supple and ready to drink, a wine for braised lamb.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The nicely-built 2014 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon offers a good look into how lasting and elegant this grape variety can be when made from the Margaret River. TASTING NOTES: This wine is stylish and well-built. Its red currant and perky mineral aromas and flavors stay lively and bright through the wine's finish. Pair with a garlic and mint- leaf-infused leg of lamb. (Tasted: June 26, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.