2022 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay, Margaret River

You have to pinch yourself when considering that this is Leeuwin's second level chardie. Fact is, it's very good. The last couple of years have seen slightly more richness and palate intensity restored after dabbling briefly with a finer style. It's minerally with a spicy pear and nectarine character. The palate is layered and rich. This is as good an example of this wine as I have seen.

95 points rayjordanwine.com.au

An aromatic and perfumed nose, with lemon blossom, chamomile and black tea. Nashi pear, white nectarine, lemon flesh and grapefruit provide the foundation of the fruit spectrum. Subtleties of iodine, graphite, cinnamon, brioche and grilled almonds are neatly packaged together, giving delicate complexity. The palate is energetic, with concentrated fruits of cut lime, pear, custard apple. A delicately textured and layered mid-palate is defined by natural laced acidity, creating the corridor. Savoury notes and spice work in symmetry, carrying a long finish with gentle talc-like tension.