2023 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay

95 pts
The excellent value entry level Chardonnay from one of the. country's best makers of the variety.
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review

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Description

From one of Margaret River’s pioneering wineries, the 2023 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay is a shining example of why this region continues to lead the charge in producing some of Australia’s finest Chardonnays. Founded in 1974 with the mentorship of legendary Napa Valley winemaker Robert Mondavi, Leeuwin Estate has spent decades perfecting the art of Chardonnay, with their flagship Art Series widely regarded as one of Australia’s best white wines.

The Prelude label offers exceptional value, showcasing the same world-class winemaking but at a fraction of the price. With the Art Series Chardonnay now pushing above $160 a bottle, the Prelude is the perfect alternative—delivering close to that level of quality for a quarter of the cost. In fact, the 2023 vintage might just be one of the best Prelude Chardonnays ever made, displaying all the hallmarks of Leeuwin’s signature style: purity, finesse, and impressive length.

Aromatically, this wine opens with notes of nashi pear, lime, and nectarine, underpinned by delicate florals and a subtle touch of brioche. The palate is bright and concentrated, with layers of white peach, lemon curd, and sweet spice, all tied together with a refreshing mineral backbone and vibrant acidity.

For those who love premium Chardonnay but appreciate exceptional value, the 2023 Prelude Chardonnay is a must-try—offering top-tier winemaking and drinking pleasure without breaking the bank.

95 points
"It’s the best Prelude I can remember tasting, I’ll say that much straight off. A little struck match, very spicy (some pepper and cinnamon), bright citrus and green pear, hazelnut, fine flinty grip, with a cool finish of excellent length. Fine-boned, but delivers just enough flavour. I was so taken by its balance and charm. Superb drinking."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

95 points - "It’s the best Prelude I can remember tasting, I’ll say that much straight off. A little struck match, very spicy (some pepper and cinnamon), bright citrus and green pear, hazelnut, fine flinty grip, with a cool finish of excellent length. Fine-boned, but delivers just enough flavor. I was so taken by its balance and charm. Superb drinking." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

94 points - "There would be a lot of wineries who would love to have this as their top chardonnay. But of course, Leeuwin has that little matter of Art Series above it. This really is one of the best and most complete of this line. Seems to have struck a nice balance between the early more opulent styles and some of the later leaner styles. The vintage has helped but the fruit is so pretty with typical cashew, light grapefruit and a little lemon character supported by such exquisitely applied oak. Very good." - Ray Jordan

94 points - "It has been said many times that there are plenty of wineries – from Margaret River and elsewhere – which would love to have a wine of the quality of Leeuwin’s Prelude as their flagship Chardy. Perhaps especially so in this vintage where the wine really is stellar. Fermentation was with a mix of cultured and wild yeasts, with full barrel fermentation in French oak, with 40% of that new, followed by ten months maturation. A gleaming yellow, the nose is exhibiting notes of stone fruits, peaches, a hint of cashews and oatmeal, and lemon touches. There is a gentle oak influence, the handling of which is the same standard we see with the Art Series, as well as exemplary balance and fine grip. The texture is alluringly supple and there is very good length. Flagship quality indeed. Drink now and for six to seven years – this is seriously good value." - Ken Gargett (Wine Pilot)

Customer Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 1 review
Total 5 star reviews: 1 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
1 review
  • CB
    Chris B.
    Verified Buyer
    1 month ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Complex & interesting chardonnay

    This is currently my wife's favourite white wine and it would be very hard to beat at this price point.

There is energy, brightness, and fragrance here. Lime sherbet, pear and burnt lemon unfold effortless together. Floral elements are expressed with wattle flowers, frangipani petals and jasmine. Delicate layers of nougat, brioche, macadamia, and chamomile offer sweet yet savoury complexity.

The palate is concentrated with gentle layers, textures and contours. Finger limes, peach flesh, nashi pear and lemon curd weave throughout harmoniously. Laced minerality, saline notes and iodine tightly coil all elements together. There is subtle tension and focus leading towards the end.

Price Bracket $31 to $40
Type White
Body Full Bodied
Variety Chardonnay
Country Australia
Region Margaret River
Australian State WA
Feature High Score
Reviewed By The Wine Front
Critic Score 95
94
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

Leeuwin Estate

What was once a humble cattle farm in Margaret River has now become one of the most iconic wine producing estates in Australia.

A special site identified by iconic Napa Valley winemaker, Robert Mondavi in 1972, Denis and Tricia Horgan took his advise and planted vineyards with the dream of becoming a world-class producer of premium wine.

Leeuwin Estate's first commercial release was in 1979. Now family owned for two generations, theirs is one of the brightest stars in Australian wine. Their iconic Art Series range is now one of the most collectable in the country.

They are celebrated around the world as one of the finest producers of Chardonnay in particular to be found anywhere on the planet.

The Horgan family - Margaret River, WA

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