2023 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Cabernet Sauvignon

The Prelude series of wines from Leeuwin Estate are supposed to be their more approachable wines, the ones you drink while the Art Series ages in the cellar.

This Prelude Cabernet doesn't quite fit the bill. It is expressive and delicious now but is an absolute bargain of a wine to sit on for a years...

Cassis and redcurrant with some anise/ licorice as well. And spice, so much exotic spices and herbs. Some are cedary and clovey from lovely oak treatment, then there is fennel and sage and pepper. The tannins are M-rated for mmmm.

94 points
"Black fruit, cherry, floral and bay leaf perfume, cocoa and baking spice. It’s medium-bodied, plenty of flavour here, though it has a crispness to acidity and energy that’s spot on, tobacco savouries, and the sweep of stony tannin is something of a highlight. The finish is fresh and long, tinged with black olive and dried herb, some juicy raspberry in the aftertaste. So excellent."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)