The 2005 Chardonnay “Prelude Vineyard” was 100% barrel-fermented and aged in 30% new oak without malolactic fermentation. Medium straw-colored, it offers a classy perfume of toast, mineral, anise, banana, mango, and pineapple. This is followed by a ripe but restrained Chardonnay with excellent balance, good depth, and serious flavor interest. Drink this complex wine over the next 3-4 years. Leeuwin Estate is one of the benchmark wineries of Western Australia. Both reds and whites exhibit cool climate character and European elegance. Importer: Gavin Speight, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552; www.leeuwinestate.com.au; Also tasted: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon “Prelude Vineyard” (83)

Supple, graceful and elegant. An outpouring of lovely flavors on a polished, refined frame, offering quince-accented pineapple and passion fruit against spicy, creamy notes that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 1,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Western Australia / Margaret River Select to Add