Leconfield
Leconfield Coonawarra was established by noted oenologist, Sydney Hamilton, in the southern half of the Coonawarra strip. The vineyard occupies some of the area’s richest terra rossa soil over limestone, a composition for which Coonawarra is famous. During his winemaking career spanning nearly 60 years, Sydney was highly regarded for his contribution to the industry. In 1981, with 65 vintages under his belt, Sydney decided to finally retire and Leconfield was acquired by his nephew, Dr Richard Hamilton, then based in McLaren Vale.
Leconfield Old Vines Riesling
Tasting Notes
2 Gold Medals, 1 Trophy
COLOUR: Bright light straw with attractive green tints.
BOUQUET: Fine aromatic lime-citrus fruit nose showing attractive floral characteristics.
PALATE: With fine, yet flavoursome citrus Riesling flavours, this wine is made in a dry style with excellent length that finishes with clean zesty acidity.
FOOD SUGGESTIONS : This wine makes a wonderful aperitif on its own, and will enhance pasta and seafood. A local favourite is char-grilled octopus or a more delicate sashimi.
CELLARING POTENTIAL: The finesse and elegance of this wine makes it ideal for immediate appeal. Aging over 8-10 years will see the added dimensions of toastiness and mouth feel.
WINEMAKING NOTES: Sydney Hamilton planted the 6 acre (2.6 ha) Riesling vineyard in 1974. Today, it remains dry-grown and produces excellent fruit every year. Our philosophy with this wine is to have minimal handling. Harvesting took place in the cold of the early morning and grapes were able to be placed in the air-bag press within minutes of picking. Following cold settling where contact with juice solids occurred for several days, the juice was racked with some of those solids and fermented with an aromatic yeast strain. Following fermentation, the wine was allowed to settle on its yeast lees then ultimately receives a light fining to aid clarification. This is wine in its purest form – elegant and stylish – from a single vineyard and a single fermenter.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS: Unirrigated vines. Hand pruned. Although the average temperature in February was slightly warmer than average, ripening was even and slow resulting in excellent flavours in white varieties. There was good retention of natural acidity. Yields were much lower than expected.
