Leeuwin Estate Prelude Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

2016 LEEUWIN ESTATE PRELUDE VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON WINEMAKER: Tim LovettREGION: Margaret River, Western AustraliaVARIETALS: Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Merlot (5%), Malbec (4%)MATURATION: 20 months in French oak barriquesANALYSIS:  13.5% alc/vol  |  7.01 g/L TA  |  3.40 pH   VINTAGE: Winter and spring rainfall was well below average. Spring was generally fine with good conditions for flowering through November. January and February temperatures were slightly above average, with only several non-concurrent hot days. A welcome, significant 90 mm of rain fell in January, setting up unirrigated vineyards for the remainder of the season. March and April temperatures were close to average; reflected in the slowing down of ripening over mid/late vintage. One of the best all round vintages seen. WINEMAKING: After berry sorting and cold soaking, fermentation took place in closed and open fermenters and each individual lot was pumped over three times daily. Malolactic fermentation was comple