Product Description
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Leconfield, Merlot, 2019, Coonawarra, South Australia
Producer Profile
Leconfield Coonawarra was established in 1974 by noted oenologist, Sydney Hamilton. During a winemaking career spanning nearly 60 years, Sydney was highly regarded for his contribution to the industry. At the age of 76, Sydney Hamilton still yearned to make a classic Australian Cabernet Sauvignon and set himself the task of finding the right district in which to establish his own vineyard and winery – and Leconfield Coonawarra was established.
Today Leconfield’s winemaking direction is driven by highly regarded winemaker, Paul Gordon. Leconfield Cabernet Sauvignon has established itself as one of the most distinctive on the Australian market and has a dedicated following throughout Australia and around the world. The Merlot is meticulously selected so that the small volume released each year is extremely sought after and is regarded as one of the best examples in the district.
Over the last two decades and further reinforced through recent show success, the Riesling vines selected and planted by Sydney Hamilton in 1974 have yielded wines that have become benchmarks of the variety within the Coonawarra region.
Viticulture
The Coonawarra vineyards of Leconfield are planted on Terra Rossa soils rich in the clay content that is ideal for growing premium Merlot. This is an estate grown wine sourced from vines planted from 1982 to 1999. Leconfield has developed a reputation of being among the best producers of Merlot in Australia. We are continually evolving our style to give length with finesse in this limited release wine.
Winemaking
Leconfield are fortunate to have mature Merlot vines planted from 1982 to 1999, a significant proportion of which is dry grown. Supporting this fruit is a block of newer clones (R8 and Q45-14) which produce small berry size producing intense colour and a deeper flavour profile.
Fermentation on skins was for 7-12 days after which the wines were pressed and allowed to settle before maturation in 100% French Oak (18% New French oak, 13% 1 year old French oak, remainder 3-6 year old hogsheads) with two rackings over 14 months to soften the tannin structure. The wine was blended in April 2019 and prepared for bottling in May.
Tasting Note
Ripe, fragrant nose showing cinnamon and cloves overlaying cherry fruit. This is a flavoursome Merlot with a full flavour of ripe plums and round, long tannins that provide persistence and length. It retains elegance and finesse.
Goes well with
Barbequed Lamb kebabs with roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
Cellaring
Beautifully finessed for youthful enjoyment and well structured for complexity over 8-10 years.
Features
Varieties: Merlot 100%
Colour: Red
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Style: Still Wine
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: Australia
Region: Coonawarra
Vintage: 2019
