As the name suggests, this is the Prelude to the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay. Made in much the same way, if not quite as grandiose, it has followed a similar stylistic trajectory to its bigger brother, with generally less malolactic fermentation to emphasise freshness.

While I’m not convinced that less malo = better (plenty of Oz Chardonnay could do with more. Bring back the malo!), it at least shows that Leeuwin is keeping up with the Joneses.

I still wish the oak was less obvious here – it smells and tastes of barrels. It’s proper oak, sure, but without the richness of MLF behind it, that oak looks increasingly bulky – like a middle aged guy who’s lost a bit of weight and keeps wearing an old suit. There is some excellent peach and melon fruit power in there though, the slightly old school palate tightened back by citrussy acid before just a lick of oak tannins.

Every bit a Leeuwin Chardonnay, this Prelude needs at least another year to really settle down and impress. The palate intensity is there, so definitely much promise to be had if/when it gets there.

Source: Sample
Tasted: Nov 2014
Drink: 2015-2020
Would I buy it? Not yet.
Score: 17.5/20, 91/100
Buy online: Winestar, Leeuwin website