A Delicate Margaret River Chardonnay from Leeuwin Estate

My Wine Man on Leeuwin Estate

Leeuwin Estate is one of Margaret River’s founding wineries, with an identity closely tied to the region’s Chardonnay. The attraction is the balance between flavour and freshness: a wine can have presence without needing to feel heavy. Prelude offers a different point of entry to the estate from its Art Series range, and this 2023 is particularly appealing for its delicacy.

Here, lemon blossom and ginger flower sit alongside lemon-lime fruit, a hint of flint and a fine layer of lees-derived texture. For us, the interest lies in the detail rather than sheer richness. It is a Chardonnay for a relaxed lunch or a thoughtfully prepared fish dish, where freshness matters as much as flavour.

Tasting Notes

Delicate aromas of lemon blossom and ginger flower lead into lemon-lime juice and zest, with a subtle whiff of flint adding a savoury mineral accent. The palate is light and finely drawn, yet carries clear Chardonnay flavour. Fine acidity gives it freshness and direction, balanced by an equally fine layer of texture from the lees. The overall impression is graceful and refreshing rather than broad or weighty.

Style & Drinking Window

A dry, light-bodied Chardonnay with delicate floral notes, citrus brightness and fine lees texture rather than red-wine-like tannin. Our suggested drinking window is 2026–2029, enjoying it while its blossom and citrus character are fresh. Serve at around 10–12°C. No lengthy decant is needed; a little time in the glass will allow the finer aromas and texture to emerge.

Food Pairing

The lemon-lime freshness, delicate floral notes and fine lees texture of the 2023 Leeuwin Estate Prelude Chardonnay make it an elegant match for salmon from My Meat Man. The wine’s citrus juice and zest flavours refresh the palate alongside the fish’s rich, silky texture, while its subtle flint and ginger-flower notes add interest without overwhelming the pairing, whether gently pan-seared with lemon, oven-baked with fresh herbs, or lightly grilled. Keep sauces restrained so the Chardonnay’s delicate character can shine.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$249, this is a considered choice for Chardonnay drinkers who prefer freshness, finesse and subtle texture to a richer, heavier style. You get a Margaret River wine from Leeuwin Estate with expressive citrus and blossom notes, a touch of flint and enough lees texture to make it useful at the dinner table. Choose it for a lighter meal or an occasion where you want Chardonnay flavour without weight.

Looking for a Different Style?

2022 Petaluma White Label Chardonnay: a fruit-forward Adelaide Hills style with stone fruit, ripe melon and a creamy palate.

2023 Cloudy Bay Marlborough Chardonnay: a more concentrated Marlborough expression with nectarine, citrus and subtle savoury oak.

2025 Shaw and Smith M3 Chardonnay: a taut Adelaide Hills style with grapefruit, flinty detail and almond-meal texture.