Chardonnay 2021 Coonawarra Leconfield

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.

Their estate grown Chardonnay was planted in 1985 and 1988 on terra rossa over limestone soils & crops are managed for low yields to produce elegance and intensely flavoured fruit.

Leconfield Chardonnay was hand picked and whole bunch pressed then it was oxidatively handled as juice then allowed full fermentation in French oak with a selected yeast and a high level of grape solids.

Initially frequent stirring of the lees (battonage) was practised during fermentation.

Some partial malolactic fermentation was allowed while on yeast lees & the wine received a light fining before bottling then matured in 100% French oak for 10 months.

This is a modern style of chardonnay which has finesse, elegance and long mouth feel highlighted with very fine French oak.

Ripe nectarine fruit nose overlaid with complex yeast aromas and a subtle background of vanilla from the French oak fermentation.

Medium bodied in style with a persistent, long stonefruit flavours finishing with a bright, fine, mineral acidity.