On Sale: $28.94 (was: $35.94)*
Leeuwin Estate is one of the most renowned producers of Chardonnay, and long time fans are no doubt familiar with their iconic Art Series, regularly proclaimed one of the new world’s best Chardonnays. For less than half the the price however, Leeuwin Estate’s Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay is a wonderful, early drinking companion to the more collectible Arts Series, and an incredible buy at under 30 bucks.
Leeuwin Estate, and the Margaret River in general, produces beautifully vibrant and balanced wines that completely buck the cliche of overripe, high ABV Aussie wines of ages past. Make no mistake, like the Art Series this is designed to compete with white Burgundy, and this is comparable to a village white from a high end producer. This 2019 is “well made, complete and raring to go” (Decanter), and an easy case buy from this Margaret River icon.
In typical Australian fashion, Leeuwin Estate got its start when Denis Horgan's main interest in the property was its proximity to some excellent surfing. Horgan only planted vines after Robert Mondavi tried to buy the land from him in the early 70s. Instead, they worked together to develop the vineyard, and Leeuwin rapidly became known as “one of the benchmark wineries of Western Australia” (Wine Advocate). Margaret River is one of the cooler climate regions in Australia, perfect for well balanced, vibrant Chardonnay like this, and it’s a gorgeously accessible little brother to the Art Series, but still very much communicates the Leeuwin house style. Cheers!
94 points, Halliday Wine Companion: "The cooler ‘19 vintage produced saline acid which is fine and tight. Almond meal and cashew initially; the mid palate and beyond shows attractive exotic spice complexity and great length of flavour. Green pistachio, yellow peach and brine. Regular lees stirring has built texture, but it is the intensity of fruit that makes this great: the Leeuwin chardonnay DNA is evident from the first mouthful."
93 points, Decanter: "Burgundy clones and an element of natural ferment with turbid juice give a savoury accent and pillowy, creamy, oatmeal tones, while perfumed pear and white peach flesh out a persistent backbone of zesty lime acidity. Burgundian barrels (40% new) add classy toasted hazelnut and vanilla nuances. Well made, complete and raring to go."
*Offer publication date April 19, 2022. Pricing and availability subject to change.