The quality of Prelude has scaled up a notch as the estate vines come of age. The '22 is aromatic and quite pretty, really. Stone fruit, florals, river stone and creamy, toasty aromas rush from the glass. There's tangy, tongue-tingling acidity in the mouth that nicely counters the creamy textural weight on the palate. It's a classy, harmonious bottling that proves an excellent intro to this renowned Margaret River producer.
94 points, Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast (Sep 2024)
The only thing more heartbreaking than the Chardonnay yields in 2022 is the quality. It's really good—isn't that always the way for us, as drinkers? On the nose, and in the mouth, the 2022 Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay offers us all the richness and concentration that Leeuwin Chardonnay is known for, but it is texturally a little more open weave and "available" than the Art Series. This is layered with white and yellow peach, red apple skins, white pepper, dehydrated orange peel, spring flowers, brine and tobacco. It's a ripping wine. Really smart. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
93 points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate (May 2024)
This is the second string to Leeuwin's imperious Art Series cuvee, yet few corners are cut. A bit broader texturally and of more fruity immediacy. Think canned peach, glazed quince, orange verbena, nougat and beautifully placed oak, gently caressing the seams. Mid-weighted and packed with flavor and integrity, this drinks far better than many producer's top wines. Drink or hold briefly. Screw cap.
93 points, Ned Goodwin, James Suckling (Dec 2023)
This sits in the riper fruit spectrum of flat peach, fuzzy peach skin and orange blossom. There’s a little ginger, brioche, nougatine and lightly spiced oak, but this is all about the fruit. The palate follows the nose seamlessly; slight charry toast offers a nice foil to the ripe fruit. Juicy, rounded and plush with great length with loose-knit tannins and a wriggle of bright acidity. A joyful, mouthfilling wine. The Prelude range is made for drink-now pleasure and this is one of the best wines on the market at its price point. I’ve yet to meet a vintage of this wine that has missed the mark. 100% barrel ferment with regular lees stirring, followed by 10 months in 40% new French barriques.
93 points, Cassandra Charlick, Decanter (Jun 2024)
I like the way this complements the Art Series chardonnay and has its own distinct personality. It gently reveals flavours of melon, stone fruit, ginger spice and beeswax. It’s rich and ripe, tangy and juicy, fuller bodied and so easy to enjoy. Good drinking now.
93 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion (Mar 2024)
This 2022 Chardonnay Prelude jumps out of the blocks with a burst of tropical melon and nectarine aromas with a generous serving of French oak. A rich and creamy texture follows suit, with a fine line of acidity providing good overall definition while retaining its richer style. Enjoyable now but will hold for a little while.
92 points, Angus Hughson, Vinous (May 2024)
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