99 Points James Halliday — Among the Greatest Chardonnays on Earth

When Australia's most respected wine critic awards 99 points and compares a wine to the greatest of Burgundy, you pay attention. The 2017 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay is not just a benchmark for Margaret River — it is a benchmark for the world.

My Wine Man on Leeuwin Estate

Leeuwin Estate is the jewel of Margaret River. Founded in 1974 on land identified by Robert Mondavi himself as having exceptional potential, the estate has spent five decades quietly building one of Australia's most storied legacies. The Art Series Chardonnay — sourced from a single, low-yielding block of Gingin clone vines — is their crown jewel, released only in the finest vintages. Winemaker Tim Lovett works with minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's extraordinary terroir to speak without distraction. The result is a wine of rare precision, depth, and longevity that consistently outperforms wines costing three to four times the price.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant pale gold in the glass with a luminous green edge. The nose is breathtaking — white peach, nectarine, and grapefruit zest layered over struck flint, toasted brioche, and a whisper of crème fraîche. On the palate, the wine is at once tightly wound and generously proportioned: citrus oil, stone fruit, and cashew cream build to a finish of extraordinary length and precision. The acidity is laser-sharp, the oak perfectly integrated, and the aftertaste lingers for what feels like minutes. 99 Points — James Halliday.

Style & Drinking Window

Full-bodied with impeccable structure and a fine, mineral-driven backbone. This is a Chardonnay built for the long haul — drinking beautifully now with 30–60 minutes of decanting, and with the pedigree to evolve magnificently through 2032 and beyond. Serve at 12–13°C in a large Burgundy bowl to fully open the aromatics.

Food Pairing

The citrus intensity and Burgundy-rivalling depth of the 2017 Art Series make it an extraordinary match for Canadian Frozen Wild King Salmon Fillet from My Meat Man. The wine's struck-flint minerality and stone fruit richness complement the salmon's luxurious, oily flesh beautifully — whether pan-seared with brown butter and tarragon, roasted with a lemon herb crust, or simply grilled over charcoal with a squeeze of yuzu. Also exceptional alongside seafood bisque, butter-poached seafood, or a classic lobster thermidor.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$929, the 2017 Leeuwin Art Series Chardonnay represents extraordinary value for a 99-point wine. Comparable Burgundy Grand Cru Chardonnays — Meursault Premier Cru, Puligny-Montrachet — routinely fetch HK$2,000–HK$5,000+ per bottle. This is your opportunity to drink at that level for a fraction of the price, from a vintage that James Halliday called "seemingly impossible" in its quality step-up. Cellaring potential only adds to the case.

Looking for a Different Style?

- 2021 Grosset Piccadilly Chardonnay — Cool-climate precision from the Adelaide Hills, tightly wound with citrus and white flower elegance.
- 2023 Shaw and Smith M3 Chardonnay — A benchmark Adelaide Hills Chardonnay; nectarine, cashew, and fine acidity in a more approachable style.
- 2022 Simonnet Febvre Coteaux De L'Auxois Chardonnay — Classic Burgundian restraint; mineral-driven, lean, and beautifully food-friendly at an accessible price point.