Leeuwin Estate Prelude Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Accolades

Winepilot – 94 Points
“Bay leaf, cocoa powder, blackcurrant, black olive brine, flickers of graphite, shortbread and plum. Savoury complexity hovers over a core of elegant fruit making for a beguiling perfume. The palate displays power and elegance with an assertive, architectural feel — firm, grainy tannins, blackcurrant, sweet shortbread and black olive again, plum, lashings of brown spice. Excellent length, with bright acidity towing things along with coolness. This will age brilliantly over the next five to ten years – remarkable at $34. If the 2023 Margaret River releases are anything to go by, savvy drinkers should be paying close attention – and moving quickly”

Tasting Notes

🔹 Appearance: Dark ruby red with enticing dark cherry edges.

🔹 Aroma: A rich bouquet of red currant, cassis, dark chocolate, and salted caramel. Earthy undertones of dark soil, forest floor, and fresh herbs, lifted by floral hints of violets, raspberry cane, and red rose petal.

🔹 Palate: Lush and full-bodied, with flavours of dark berries, black currant, and black cherry. Complex notes of dark earth, tar, and ferrous elements combine with a touch of floral spice. Fine tannins provide a structure that unfolds across the back palate, leading to a finish laced with dark toasted baking spices.

Serving & Cellaring Guidelines

🔹 Serving Temperature: 16–18°C – Decant for 30–60 minutes to allow the wine to open up and reveal its complexity.

🔹 Cellaring Potential: 8–12 years – This wine will continue to evolve, with its dark fruit and tannin structure developing further with age.

Food Pairing

🔹 Grilled Lamb Chops – The richness of the meat complements the wine’s dark fruit and tannin profile.

🔹 Mushroom Risotto – Enhances the earthy complexity of both the wine and the dish.

🔹 Aged Cheddar – The wine’s complexity and acidity balance the richness of the cheese.

Accolades

2022 vintage

🔹 95 Points – Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
“A charming wine and one of the finest Prelude Vineyards releases to date. There’s a fineness to this, subtly from the aromas and flavours to the palate. Medium bodied, supple tannins, a skein of acidity tying everything together and lengthening the palate. It’s a little deceptive, too, because there’s plenty of detail yet it’s lovely to drink now. So I did”

Additional Information ℹ️

🔹 Region: Margaret River, Western Australia

🔹 Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon

🔹 Alcohol: 14.0% ABV | 8.3 Standard Drinks

🔹 Closure: Screw Cap

🔹Winemaking: Hand-harvested, aged in French oak barrels

Technical Terms Explained 🤔

🔹 Ferrous Notes – A mineral quality that often adds a savoury, earthy edge to wine, reminiscent of iron or blood.

🔹 Raw-Silk Tannins – Fine tannins that are smooth, yet structured, providing elegance and texture without overpowering.

🔹 Mineral Thread – A subtle earthy or graphite-like quality that adds depth to the wine’s profile.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔹 How does this compare to other Margaret River Cabernets?
The Prelude Cabernet is known for its elegance and complexity, offering a more approachable and refined profile than some of the more intense or tannic Cabernets from the region.

🔹 Is this wine suitable for drinking now?
Yes! The 2022 vintage is approachable now with its bright fruit and smooth tannins, but it will also age well for the next decade or more.

🔹 What makes this vintage special?
The 2022 vintage is particularly concentrated, with a great balance of fruit and complexity, showcasing fine tannins and a beautifully structured palate.

🔹 What is the best way to store this wine?
Store in a cool, dark place at a consistent temperature of 12–14°C, lying flat to keep the cork moist and allow the wine to age gracefully.