95pts Gary Walsh

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.

94pts Ken Gargett

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.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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.

93pts James Suckling

The nose is flashy and expressive, with aromas of lemon peel, lime zest, gun smoke and sea salt. The palate is medium-bodied with focused acidity and a generous mouthfeel, giving notes of lemon curd, grapefruit peel and flint. Very generous and bold with an underlying tension. Delicious.

93pts Tyson Stelzer

A great vintage for Prelude, this is a Chardonnay of lift and fragrance that define impressive freshness, with energy and structure that elevate it to a level above its sub-$50 class. I love its purity of lemon and grapefruit, its focused concentration and most of all its long, enduring finish that harmoniously unites glittering acidity with high-class, supportive French oak. Classy and age worthy.

Winemaker Notes

A concentrated palate is complete 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.