2018 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay, Margaret River

Heightened floral notes of jasmine, frangipani, chamomile and cardomom meet with the classical pear, lime and lemon fruit spectrum. The nose has energy with delicate complexity. Layers beneath the forefront include subtle oyster shell, brioche, nougat and almond shell. The palate is finely woven and lively. The clarity of fruit is highlighted with lime curd, pear and pink grapefruit. Throughout, the palate has great shape and texture; layers of cassia, clove and cashew create dimension within the primary fruit core. The structure is held quite tight with a fine acid line and mineral thread.

Leeuwin Estate has the game sewn up with this entry point wine. It's so precise, so balanced, so pure. The distinction between fruit and oak is impossible to gauge, the length magical.

96 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au