2021 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay (750ml)

Chardonnay from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

“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.

97AWC

93WA

Only Leeuwin Estate could come up with a second label of such extreme quality. The quartz-green colour heralds a laser-cut wine of great purity with a perfumed, grapefruit-accented bouquet underscored by cleansing, refreshing acidity on the palate. Oak was an agent in its structure but plays no part on its palate.

97 points, James Halliday, Halliday Wine Companion (Jun 2023)

The 2021 Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay is a multi-clonal wine: Davis 1, 5, Dijon (95, 96, 76), which is distinct from the Art Series Chardonnay, which is Gingin clone solely. The vineyard sources vary as well as the winemaking practice, allowing the winemaking team to try different processes and vessels in order to tease out different characters and textures. You get almond meal, preserved citrus and graphite. It's complex texturally yet still tight and linear. It's very good—both fresh and satisfying, with lightness and density at once. Flavorsome, lithe and long. Of the designated Prelude batches, 40% to 50% are left unsulfured and stirred twice a week. "Freshness and acidity are the corridor, and we build texture and complexity around that," says Chief Winemaker Tim Lovett. To put the complexity of the Chardonnay program at Leeuwin into context: in 2022, 32 parcels of Chardonnay came into the winery (from the estate and Peppy Park vineyards) waiting to be designated to either Art Series or Prelude; the parcels are then broken down further into batches to trial coopers, winemaking, etc.

93+ points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (Jul 2023)

Alcohol By Volume: 13.0%

#AULECH21AE

$29.98

Compare At: $37.99

21 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

Add a Case of 12

Add to Wishlist