February 2025 Co-CEO visits Japan for tasting seminarsIn February, Simone Furlong, the second generation of Leeuwin Estate’s family owners and co-CEO, visited Japan, and the Japan Sommelier Association hosted a seminar with her in Tokyo.Simone last visited Japan in 2023, and she and Yuya Kondo had not seen each other for two years. Thanks to the great rapport between them, the seminar was an enjoyable experience that explored the character of Margaret River.Talking with Simone Furlong about Leeuwin Estate’s unique appealYuya KondoGeneral Manager and Executive Sommelier, L’ecrin GroupDirector, Japan Sommelier Association◆ IntroductionA special seminar was held at which Simone Furlong, co-CEO of Leeuwin Estate, was invited to compare back vintages of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from the flagship Art Series.Applications to participate filled up immediately, and the excitement in the venue on the day was palpable. Here are some of the key takeaways from the seminar.◆ About Leeuwin EstateIn the 1960s, Margaret River was identified as an outstanding location for grape growing and suddenly began to attract attention.When Robert Mondavi, the father of California wine, heard about it, he approached Denis Hogan, Simone’s father and founder of Leeuwin Estate, to buy his farm.Already a successful entrepreneur, Denis turned down Mondavi’s offer and founded his own winery in 1972.Created around the theme “Wine is Art,” Leeuwin Estate’s brilliant marketing and PR also contributed to the local community by integrating wine with art, including painting and music. Combined with its honest approach to winemaking, this helped lift Leeuwin Estate to the top echelon of wineries globally.◆ Strengths of the Wallcliffe DistrictToday, Margaret River is known to many wine lovers as a premium wine-producing region.However, sommeliers should pay close attention to the characteristics of the region’s six unofficial sub-regions.Among them, the most representative are the Wallcliffe region in the centre of Margaret River and the Wilyabrup region to the northwest.Red wines produced in the Wilyabrup region are classic New World wines characterised by dark black and purple fruit characters.By contrast, the Wallcliffe region, where Leeuwin Estate is located, is characterised by an elegant style with red fruit characters due to the influence of the cold Indian Ocean currents.The wines are so nuanced that, tasted blind, you could mistake them for Bordeaux. Understanding these two sub-regional differences alone allows you to appreciate Margaret River wines on a much deeper level.◆ Gingin and Houghton ClonesMargaret River Chardonnay is known for the distinctive “Gingin clone.”Because bunches contain berries of uneven size, the clone produces wines that combine both powerful concentration and fresh fruit character while integrating beautifully with new oak.Cabernet Sauvignon in the region is also commonly made from the “Houghton clone,” unique to Margaret River.Houghton clone fruit gives structure to the wine and is said to express elegance and finesse, allowing drinkers to experience Margaret River terroir through clonal selection as well.Gingin cloneHoughton clone◆ Screw Cap AgingEven Leeuwin Estate’s premium Art Series wines are released under screw cap.For those who think, “Fine wine should have a cork,” this seminar highlighted the attraction of screw cap aging.Compared to cork, screw caps preserve wines in a more anaerobic state, meaning even long-aged wines retain remarkable freshness.At the same time, the slow maturation process allows aromas to become richer and flavours to integrate beautifully, creating wonderfully aged wines.◆ Final ThoughtsSimone’s specialty is marketing and PR, and throughout the seminar her message that “wine is something to enjoy” resonated strongly.Although Leeuwin Estate demonstrates the highest standards in viticulture, winemaking, strategic marketing, and professionalism, she never overstates these achievements.“I simply want wine lovers and sommeliers to enjoy our wines. That’s the best marketing.”For someone involved in restaurant management, her perspective offered a valuable insight into the true essence of hospitality and business management.Tasting CommentsLeeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2010 (Screw Cap)CODE：9019“A lustrous, concentrated emerald green. Elegant and expressive aromas of ripe navel orange, nectarine, orange blossom, financier, tarte tatin, and spice. The supple acidity beautifully balances youthfulness and maturity, lingering gracefully across the palate with a long, refined finish.”RRP incl. tax ￥22,000Varietal: Chardonnay 100%Alc.13.8％Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Screw Cap)CODE：11035“Ruby red with an orange tinge. Aromas of semi-dried cherry, cassis, rose petals, bay leaf, earthy minerality, and bitter cocoa reveal layer upon layer of complexity. The contrast between the soft, fresh acidity and tannins fully integrated through aging creates a wine with the stature of a Grand Vin.”RRP incl. tax ￥11,880Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon 97% / Malbec 3%Alc.13.7％