Leconfield Merlot 2022 750ml

A Polished Coonawarra Merlot with dark berries, plum, spice and silky tannins.

Leconfield Merlot 2022 is a beautifully structured Coonawarra red with depth, polish and classic varietal charm. Known as one of the benchmark Merlots of the region, it brings together ripe dark fruit, fine French oak and long, silky tannins in an elegant yet full flavoured style.

The 2022 vintage shows dark berries, cherry, mulberry, plum, cinnamon, nutmeg and smoky almond oak. It has lovely fruit concentration, savoury detail and a smooth, persistent finish, making it a strong choice for those who enjoy refined Australian Merlot with genuine regional character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark cherry, mulberry, plum, blackcurrant, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf and subtle French oak.

Palate: Elegant and full flavoured with dark berry fruit, ripe plum, mocha, savoury spice, soft texture and silky tannins.

Finish: Long and polished with lingering fruit sweetness, spice, fine oak and smooth Coonawarra structure.

Halliday Wine Companion - 95 Points 

This comes from Leconfield's mature merlot vines planted as far back as 1982 but, interestingly, is then supported by newer clones. First up, this is a merlot of both distinction and pedigree. Its perfume, which boasts red rose and potpourri florals, is then bolstered by concentrated, ripe, plummy fruit with such fine, silty tannins. The wine is full and plump with sinewy structure. It has drinkability in youth but will age beautifully over the next decade. Stunning. Shanteh Wale

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with roast lamb, quail, shashliks, slow cooked beef, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, tomato based pasta, aged cheddar or native Australian inspired dishes.

About The Winery

Leconfield is situated in the heart of Coonawarra, one of Australia’s great red wine regions. The area is famous for its Terra Rossa soils over limestone, which help produce wines with deep fruit, fine tannins, freshness and excellent ageing potential.

The estate was founded in 1974 by pioneering oenologist Sydney Hamilton, who had the ambition to produce classic Australian red wine from Coonawarra. Today, Leconfield remains part of the Hamilton family wine story, a family connected to grape growing and winemaking in Australia since 1837.

Leconfield Merlot comes from mature estate vines planted between 1982 and 1999, with a significant proportion dry grown. Newer clones also contribute smaller berry size, deeper colour and extra flavour intensity. After fermentation, the wine was given extended time on skins for earthy complexity and palate length, then matured for eighteen months in French oak before final blending and bottling.

Cellaring Potential

Leconfield Merlot 2022 is beautifully finessed for youthful enjoyment, especially with decanting, but it also has the structure to age well. Drink now to 2032 under good storage conditions. With time, expect the dark berry and plum fruit to develop into richer notes of leather, cedar, dried herbs, cocoa and savoury spice.

Collector’s Note

Leconfield Merlot 2022 is a smart cellar choice for lovers of serious Australian Merlot. With mature Coonawarra vines, French oak maturation, vegan friendly credentials and strong reviews including 95 plus points from Kim Brebach, it offers both immediate appeal and excellent long term potential.

Details

Producer: Leconfield
Vintage: 2022
Variety: Merlot
Region: Coonawarra, South Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
Style: Full bodied red wine
ABV: 14.5%
Vegan: Yes
Vine Age: Planted between 1982 and 1999
Oak: French oak for eighteen months
Reviews: 95 plus points Kim Brebach, 93 points Aaron Brasher, Ray Jordan and Ken Gargett