2007 PRELUDE WINEMAKER: Paul Atwood REGION: Margaret River, Western : Chardonnay MATURATION: 9 months, 100% French ALCOHOL: 14.5% alc/vol NOTES: A cold, wet and windy spring during the 2006 season saw burburst and flowering occur 2-3 weeks later than usual at Leeuwin Estate. Further cool weather during the ripening period resulted in the latest on recored at Leeuwin Estate. These conditions were optimal for the aromatic white varieties such as Chardonnay; when combined with the low yields produced of great intensity and finesse. : The Chardonnay fruit was cool crushed with some skin contact, then cold settled for 3-days prior to innoculation with yeast. 100% of the juice was barrel fermented in French oak barriques with the lees stirred regularly. After 9 months in barrel, the components were blended, fined, cold stabilized and bottled. TASTING NOTES: This displays lifted pristine Margaret River Chardonnay fruit typical of the Leeuwin . The well integrated bouquet has ripe pear skin, figs, and nutty cashews. The subtle integration of French oak provides vanilla notes to this perfumed Chardonnay. Medium in weight, due to the cool ripening period, the wine displays deceptive length and mouth filling structure. The palate shows fresh and vibrant pears, tangy grapefruit and peaches, with balanced acid giving the wine a delicious elegance and youthfulness. CRITICAL ACCLAIM: 90pts Stephen Tanzer, 90pts Robert Parker, 88pts Wine Spectator

ABOUT LEEUWIN ESTATE: After an extensive search in 1972 for the most suitable premium viticultural area in Australia, Robert Mondavi singled out the future site of Leeuwin Estate. Thrust into the international spotlight when their 1980 Art Series was awarded ’s highest recommendation, the Estate has since performed with stellar consistency, the Horgan family defending their position as one of Australia’s leading .

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INDIAN OCEAN

MARGARET RIVER LEEUWIN ESTATE

THE FACE OF AUSTRALIAN WINE

EXCLUSIVE US IMPORTER 703 Je erson Street, Napa, California 94559 Tel (707) 258 9552 or (800) 622 2234 • Fax (707) 258 9577 • www.oldbridgecellars.com • [email protected]

2006 Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay

Region: Margaret River, Western Australia Variety: 100% Chardonnay Maturation: 9 months in French oak barriques Technical Analysis: 14% alc/vol

Leeuwin Estate is a boutique, family owned and operated located in the picturesque Margaret River district in Western Australia. One of the icon wineries of Australia, it has earned an international reputation for producing Australia’s (and one of the world’s) greatest Chardonnays. Looking retrospectively over Leeuwin’s stellar record, it can be simply stated that no other Australian Chardonnay producer has received such consistent and wide‐spread acclaim. Commentators the world over marvel at these wines, with Harvey Steiman of Wine Spectator noting:

“Leeuwin is the benchmark (chardonnay producer), not only for the region, but for the country as a whole. Owner Denis Horgan first planted the vines in 1974, and has been making rich, elegant, distinctive and age‐worthy wines from estate grown grapes since the 1980’s.”

Vintage Notes: The 2006 growing season witnessed late bud burst on all varieties at Leeuwin Estate due to a cold, wet and windy spring (pre‐empting the coolest summer on record at Leeuwin). Flowering was 2‐3 weeks later than usual with cropping levels smaller than average due to the long, challenging winter. The cool summer resulted in the latest harvest dates ever undertaken at Leeuwin Estate. Overall, these cool conditions were optimal for the white varieties such as Chardonnay, causing less flavor loss at ripening and producing wines of great intensity.

Vinification: The Chardonnay fruit was cool crushed with some skin contact. The juice was settled for 3 days, racked and inoculated with yeast. 100% of the juice was barrel fermented in French oak barriques with the lees stirred regularly. After 9 months in barrel, the components were blended, fined, cold stabilized and bottled.

Tasting Notes: The 2006 Prelude Vineyards Chardonnay is a bright straw‐green color. This wine displays pristine Margaret River Chardonnay fruit typical of the Leeuwin vineyard. The well integrated bouquet expresses ripe pear, figs, and cashews with subtle vanilla notes from the French oak. The medium bodied palate shows tantalizing flavors of fresh pear, grapefruit, peach, and citrus. This wine is elegant and youthful and will benefit further with time in the cellar. The suggested cellaring period is 6‐8 years.

OLD BRIDGE CELLARS 703 Jefferson St, Napa, CA 94559 Tel: (800) 622 2234 or www.oldbridgecellars.com