Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Vintage 2018

90/10% cabernet sauvignon/merlot. 20 months in French oak (33% new). In case you missed it, ‘18 may be the greatest cabernet and chardonnay vintage in living memory in Margaret River. So goes it for the Prelude: sheer density of fruit and rippling length of flavour are the calling cards. Bargain at the price. Rating: 96 Points, Special Value Source: Erin Larkin, Halliday Wine Companion 2022.

Bright and lifted aromatics of blackberry, red cherry, dried flowers, spice and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, very fresh and lively flavours of boysenberry, satsuma plum, brambles, mint-chocolate and creamy oak. Lovely tannins finish the wine, which provide firmness, mouth-feel and length. Rating: 92 Points Source: Aaron Brasher, The Real Review (March 2021)

This is in pretty good form. It’s medium-bodied at the absolute most but it has more than its fair share of charm. It’s the purity that does it; the balance. Boysenberry and fresh blackcurrant/redcurrant with tips of mint, tobacco and cedar. Tannin is fine and in appropriate measure with the weight of fruit; it feels effortless and controlled at once. The cleanliness of this, the aforementioned purity, really works in this wine’s favour. Rating: 92 Points Source: Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front (February 2021)