Leeuwin Estate Margaret River Prelude Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Do not hesitate to take any opportunity afforded to stock the cellar with both reds and whites from the brilliant 2023 vintage in Margaret River. This very fine Cabernet Sauvignon spent nine months maturing in oak, from individual parcels before blending, and a further nine months in French Bordelaise barriques after that, one third new, one third one-year-old and one third two-years-old. A gleaming dark purple with a magenta rim, the wine opens with a touch of toasty, biscuity oak which is still in the process of integration. Aromas of blackberries, tobacco leaves, chocolate, mushrooms, aniseed, and beef stock are all evident here, while notes of sour cherries emerge towards the finish on the palate. This is a wine of good length, fine tannins with reasonable grip, and a lovely lingering finish. Enjoy this over the next decade.