October 25, 2019

leeuwin estate cabernet sauvignon margaret river

LEEUWIN ESTATE “Art Series” 2014

(Margaret River, Australia) $65

Here’s a stylish, powerful, intense cabernet sauvignon that, while not inexpensive, could easily keep company with cabernets that cost more than $100. It’s from one of the most remote wine regions on earth—Australia’s Margaret River, which sits just a few cool miles inland from the point where the great Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. This is cabernet at it’s most alive and fresh, with a fantastic rich core of cassis, spice, and forest notes. Terrifically balanced, it’s got many years of life ahead. Leeuwin (LOO-in), founded in 1973, is one of the top producers in the Margaret River and is equally famous for their “Art Series” chardonnays. (13.5% abv)

93 points KM

Available at Buy Now at Wine.com

The wheat-like grain, spelt, is native to what region?

A. Southern Germany

B. The Midwest of the United States

C. Northern Mexico

D. The mountains of China

Spelt originated in Germany (and Switzerland too), according to the Northern Grain Growers Association. Spelt (aka “dinkle” in Germany), is similar in flavor and texture to wheat, and is typically milled into bread flour. Breads made from this grain are often heavier and denser in texture than breads made with wheat flour. Spelt has been grown for over 6,000 years. However, the grain went out of fashion in the early 20^th century because wheat was easier to thresh. Over the past decade, the demand for spelt has skyrocketed as consumers search for alternatives to wheat.

“Based on chemistry, DNA, ancient texts, art, ethnography and experimental archaeology, it’s clear that as humans, we are set up as biological creatures to drink alcohol.”

—Dr. Patrick McGovern
Director of Biomolecular Archaeology, University of Pennsylvania, speaking at the Origins of Wine Civilization conference at San Francisco Wine School this month.

LEEUWIN ESTATE “Art Series” 2014

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