Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Margaret River region in Western Australia is famed for its cool, maritime climate, ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon. The growing season was marked by a wet winter and cooler spring, delaying budburst and flowering. Late January rain recharged the unirrigated vineyards, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly through a warm autumn. This careful climate balance resulted in fruit with great depth and concentration, reflecting the regional profile of vibrant acidity and structured tannins.

Leeuwin Estate’s vineyards sit on well-draining gravelly soils over clay, which lend mineral complexity and finesse to the wine. The cooler climate, moderated by ocean breezes, allows Cabernet Sauvignon to mature gradually, resulting in a wine that expresses Margaret River’s refined yet intense character.

Winemaking

The 2019 Prelude Cabernet Sauvignon began with berry sorting and a cold soak before fermentation in both open and closed fermenters, with pump-overs three times daily. Malolactic fermentation took place in French oak barriques, enhancing the wine’s smooth texture. After nine months of maturation, the separate parcels were blended and returned to barrels for a further 11 months, achieving a total of 20 months in oak.

With 13.5% alcohol, 6.95 g/L of acidity, and a pH of 3.40, this Cabernet Sauvignon is balanced, vibrant, and built to age gracefully.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple highlights, showing youthful concentration.
• Aroma: Elegant and perfumed, with notes of blackcurrants, cherries, blueberries, bay leaf, sage, and hints of Garam Masala spice.
• Palate: Structured with currants, minerals, and bright acidity. Fine-grained tannins provide a textured, lingering finish with subtle spice.

Did You Know?

The Prelude Vineyards collection is designed to introduce wine enthusiasts to Leeuwin Estate’s renowned craftsmanship, showcasing carefully selected parcels for their approachability and vibrancy.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic: The herbal notes of rosemary resonate with the wine’s sage and bay leaf aromas, while its tannins balance the lamb’s richness.
• Mushroom Stroganoff: The earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce align with the wine’s mineral core, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Aged Cheddar or Manchego: The cheese’s sharpness enhances the wine’s fruit concentration and structured tannins.
• Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin: The savory herbs and juicy beef harmonize with the wine’s dark fruit and spice, enhancing both the dish and the wine’s depth.

History of Leeuwin Estate

The history of Leeuwin Estate is marked by a visionary transformation. In 1972, Californian wine icon Robert Mondavi visited the Horgan family’s cattle farm in Margaret River and identified it as prime vineyard land. Inspired by Mondavi’s advice, Denis and Tricia Horgan reimagined the property and established Leeuwin Estate with a commitment to crafting exceptional wines. By 1980, Leeuwin released its first vintage of Art Series Chardonnay, quickly gaining international acclaim when Decanter magazine recognized it among the world’s finest white wines.

Since this remarkable beginning, Leeuwin Estate has grown under the guidance of two generations of the Horgan family. The Art Series wines, particularly the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, consistently receive high ratings and awards, helping to establish Margaret River as a premier wine region. Today, Leeuwin remains a family-owned winery where the second generation, including Justin Horgan and Simone Furlong, have taken on leading roles, ensuring that Mondavi’s legacy of quality endures.

Region and Vineyards

Located in Western Australia’s Margaret River region, Leeuwin Estate benefits from a unique maritime climate characterized by warm days and cool nights, which allows for a gradual, balanced ripening process. This climate is especially beneficial for white varieties like Chardonnay, allowing for a fine balance between fruit intensity and refreshing acidity. The estate’s vineyards feature gravelly, sandy loam soils over granite, which offer excellent drainage and a mineral complexity that enhances the structure and finesse of the wines.

One of the estate’s prized blocks, Block 20, is home to the Gin Gin clone Chardonnay vines. This clone, now over 25 years old, is renowned for its vibrant acidity and concentrated varietal flavors, contributing to the signature intensity of Leeuwin’s wines. The vineyards are managed with minimal intervention, allowing the unique terroir of Margaret River to shine through each vintage. Additionally, the proximity to the Indian Ocean brings cooling breezes, which help to preserve the natural acidity of the grapes, further enhancing the wine’s elegance and complexity.

Wine Range

Leeuwin Estate offers a distinguished portfolio across three distinct ranges:

• Art Series: Known for its complexity and aging potential, the Art Series includes flagship wines like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Riesling. These wines are also celebrated for their unique labels, each adorned with original artwork by prominent Australian artists.
• Prelude Vineyards: This range, focused on Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, offers expressive, fruit-forward wines suitable for earlier drinking yet crafted with balance and depth.
• Siblings Range: This approachable collection features styles such as Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, crafted in honor of the Horgan family’s second generation.

Did You Know?

The Art Series Chardonnay has achieved “Exceptional” status in Langton’s Classification, Australia’s most prestigious wine ranking. Additionally, the estate hosts annual concerts in its vineyards, drawing music and wine lovers alike to experience this unique fusion of culture and nature.