Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

 

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Leeuwin Estate
Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
  • Vintage : 2019
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : Margaret River
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes :

Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a vibrant expression of Margaret River’s terroir, blending dark fruits with herbal nuances and fine, structured tannins.

Experts Score Vintage
JH James Halliday 95 2019
WE Wine Enthusiast 92 2019
JS James Suckling 92 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

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.

James Halliday (JH) : 95 Points (2019)
With 2% malbec. Matured for 20 months in French oak (33.3% new). Cabernet and malbec are meant to be together. This is vibrant and intense, layered with cassis and pomegranate, licorice, clove, graphite and nori. The layers are sewn together with threads of saline acidity that create structure within the shape provided by the oak. All things in place here – yet another compelling Prelude release from the team at Leeuwin. Unbelievable value for money.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 92 Points (2019)
Ripe yet fresh and approachable, this southern Margaret River wine shows off plump red plum and cherry smudged with savory herbs and spices. There’s an undercurrent of toasty, vanilla and chocolate oak. The silky palate comes with tangy red-fruited freshness, tugged by chalky tannins.

James Suckling (JS) : 92 Points (2019)
Bright and fruit-driven with aromas of blackcurrants, mulberries, cherries, licorice and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with lightly chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. Fruity and delicious. Cabernet sauvignon with 2% malbec. Why wait? Drink now.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2022
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Riesling 2022
RP
92
JS
92
WE
92
Known for its finesse, Art Series Riesling combines intense aromatics with a quartz-like texture, making it a quintessential choice for lovers of structured, mineral Rieslings.
23,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2022
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Shiraz 2022
RP
95
DCT
95
JS
93
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz is a captivating expression of Margaret River's terroir, blending structure, elegance, and complexity into a seamless wine experience. Crafted with meticulous precision, this Shiraz is enhanced with small amounts of Viognier and Malbec, adding vibrancy and depth.
37,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Chardonnay 2019
WS
95
RP
98
JH
98
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2019 is a benchmark Chardonnay from Margaret River, displaying complex layers of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle mineral notes, with a refined, structured finish.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
RP
95
JH
97
WE
94
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a meticulously crafted wine, embodying the elegance and complexity of Margaret River's terroir. Its floral aromatics, dark fruit intensity, and silky tannins make it a standout vintage in the Art Series collection.
62,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2022
RP
94
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc highlights the finesse and purity typical of the Art Series collection, combining expressive aromas with a textured, lively palate.
34,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Siblings Sauvignon Blanc 2022
RP
92
JH
90
JS
90
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh, lively expression from Margaret River, combining vibrant citrus with herbal complexity, perfect for those seeking a refreshing yet layered white.
23,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz 2020
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz 2020
Leeuwin Estate
Siblings Shiraz 2020
WS
88
WS
89
JH
92
Leeuwin Estate Siblings Shiraz is an exciting expression of Margaret River, bursting with vibrant fruit and subtle floral notes that make it a captivating wine from the first sip to the last.
25,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Sparkling Brut 2022
Leeuwin Estate Sparkling Brut 2022
Leeuwin Estate
Sparkling Brut 2022
Leeuwin Estate Sparkling Brut is a delicate and refined sparkling wine, showcasing the elegance of Margaret River’s terroir. Crafted in the traditional method, it offers a perfect harmony of citrus vibrancy and mineral complexity.
50,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020
Leeuwin Estate
Art Series Chardonnay 2020
RP
98
WE
95
DCT
98
Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay 2020 is an exemplary Margaret River Chardonnay, offering depth, minerality, and a precise structure. With notes of citrus, stone fruit, and subtle oak, this wine embodies finesse and vibrancy.
105,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
35,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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