2023 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay

Highly Rated
The excellent value entry level Chardonnay from one of the. country's best makers of the variety.

Price:
Sale price$34.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship
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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)

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.

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

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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Shipping

Delivery is free on orders of $150 or more!

For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.

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Estimated delivery transit time varies depending on your location. Please review this page for specific estimates.

Sydney (Our Vans): If no one is home and there are no special delivery instructions our driver will try to call for instructions. If the driver believes there is a safe space to leave your wine they will do so if not, they will return the item to us and hold your order until further instruction from you. 

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Australia Post: Australia Post will leave the parcel if they have been given authority to leave and it is deemed safe to do so. To give your Authority to Leave, please enter this in the 'SPECIAL REQUEST' box at checkout.

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