The Leconfield Coonawarra Merlot is recognised as a benchmark for both the variety and the region. This is a flavoursome Merlot with full flavours of ripe plums and round, long tannins that provide persistence and length. It retains elegance and finesse.
TASTING NOTES
Beautifully finessed for youthful enjoyment and well structured for complexity over 8-10 years
COLOUR
NOSE
Full fragrant rich fruit nose showing perfumed fruit with hints of plum, mocha, allspice and vanilla. Oak has been allowed to influence, but not dominate the fruit. In its youth, this wine has vibrancy and freshness and will develop cigar box complexity.
PALATE
An elegant yet full flavoured Merlot that shows great fruit concentration. There is the inherent fruit sweetness and persistence expected from Coonawarra with fine long silky tannins that fill out the palate.
WINE MAKING
We 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. Following fermentation, wines were allowed extended time on skins to gain earthy complexity and palate length. Following pressing and initial settling, the components were filled to French Oak for maturation with two rackings over 14 months to soften the tannin structure. We have avoided the use of animal products in fining to provide a vegan friendly wine. Final blending was in June 2020 with bottling in early July.
