B-21 Top Recommendation
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“Leeuwin is the benchmark, not only for the region but for the country as a whole.”
Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator
From “one of the very greatest producers of Chardonnay in the Margaret River” according to Australian expert James Halliday, the bright and enticing 97 pt. 2021 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay offers lush layers of aromatic ripe fruit with a creamy texture and vibrant mineral-driven acidity, a superb introduction to the classic Leeuwin Estate style value priced at a fraction of its iconic Art Series cuvee to enjoy often.
Renowned for its prestigious summer concert series attracting musical acts from around the world, the manicured grounds of the Leeuwin Estate are home to one of the region’s top restaurants as well, the veranda’s expansive view overlooking the verdant 668-hectare estate best known for its Chardonnay. One of the five founding wineries in the Margaret River district, Leeuwin Estate began as a 465-hectare cattle farm purchased by founders Denis and Tricia Horgan in 1968, the couple more interested in Cape Leeuwin’s outstanding reputation as a surfing destination than in becoming winemakers. Approached a few years later by Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi on the behalf of investors, the Horgans declined to sell and instead worked with the legendary winemaker to begin to transform the farm into vineyards planted mainly to Chardonnay, releasing their first commercial vintage in 1979. Situated on a peninsula south of Perth in Western Australia, the Margaret River enjoys a warm, dry Mediterranean climate that encourages optimal ripening while cool sea breezes from the surrounding Southern and Indian Oceans preserve the Chardonnay grapes' natural acidity, the rich complexity of the fruit enhanced by Leeuwin’s use of Burgundian methods including barrel-fermenting and aging on the lees. Crafted in a fresh, approachable style to be enjoyed upon release, winemaker Tim Lovett aged the refined 2021 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay for 10 months in 40% new French oak, yielding rich fruit hinting of citrus and brioche, with a creamy mouthfeel and racy acidity that calls Chardonnay lovers back for another sip.
Described as “an excellent intro to this long standing Margaret River winery” by the Wine Enthusiast’s Christina Pickard, the enticing 97 pt. 2021 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay expresses it cool climate Margaret River origins in the estate’s rich Burgundian house style, an exceptional value from the region’s Chardonnay experts bargain priced to enjoy freely over the next few years. | 
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