Western Australia, chardonnay

"It's the best Prelude I can remember tasting, I'll say that much straight off. A little struck match, very spicy (some pepper and cinnamon), bright citrus and green pear, hazelnut, fine flinty grip, with a cool finish of excellent length. Fine-boned, but delivers just enough flavour. I was so taken by its balance and charm. Superb drinking. (95) GARY WALSH, The Wine Front

There would be a lot of wineries who would love to have this as their top chardonnay. But of course, Leeuwin has that little matter of Art Series above it. This really is one of the best and most complete of this line. Seems to have struck a nice balance between the early more opulent styles and some of the later leaner styles. The vintage has helped but the fruit is so pretty with typical cashew, light grapefruit and a little lemon character supported by such exquisitely applied oak. Very good.
(94) RAY JORDAN,  WA Wine Review 2025

I see the Chardonnays from this season being quite nutty, and certainly texturally wide, which follows the conditions of the season. The wine is floral-particularly chamomile-with lashings of crushed nuts and red apple skins, jasmine and crushed shells, a hint of wisteria and shortcrust pastry. The acidity remains true to the house style here, which is verging on austere, certainly incredibly juicy, penetrating and spicy. Beautiful. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. (96) ERIN LARKIN, Wine Advocate

Nose is shy at first, then opens out to fine spice, sea foam, poached green apple, lemon curd, a flint-laden mineral lift and a hint of fresh peppercorn. The palate sings with fruit intensity and tightly strung Gingin acid, both of which bode well for time in the cellar. A delicious Chinese greens crunch and a frame of fine, voluminous fruit carefully wrapped in top-notch oak. (95) DECANTER

A riper vintage has only added more fruit definition to an otherwise savoury and super-fine wine. Some moreish sulphides tease the richer flavours of creamy curd-like lees and spicy, slick oak, with the fruit hovering between lemon, grapefruit and makrut; mouth-watering acidity too. This has verve and detail. (95) JANE FAULKNER, James Halliday's Wine Companion

The wines under this label have been quite a revelation in recent years. This one from the excellent '22 vintage is another cracker. It's a precise and elegantly crafted wine with a steely minerally core. Aromas of pear and quince paste with a little citrus tang. The palate has a slightly crystalline minerality with a lingering finish. Has a distinctive sea spray talky character which is most appealing. (95) RAY JORDAN

This is an elegant chardonnay with layers of roasted almonds, white sesame, apricots, pie crust and peach pits. Full-bodied, nutty and delicious, with a fresh minerality and a creamy and seamless finish. Vegan. JAMES SUCKLING