Leconfield Coonawarra Merlot 2021

In 1974, Sydney Hamilton, who already had enjoyed a celebrated winemaking career, bought land in Coonawarra in order to produce classic Coonawarra Cabernet on the famed terra rossa soils here. He named his estate after an ancestor of his from England, Lord Leconfield, and did indeed build a huge reputation not only for his Cabernet Sauvignon, but Cabernet Franc and Merlot too. This outstanding 2021 release has won a Trophy, Gold and scores of 95 and 92. It's a delight. "Deep and bright red-purple colour, with a bouquet of humus and tobacco, a hint of green-olive, the palate full of sweet, ripe and quite luscious fruit, beautifully framed by fine tannins and impeccably balanced. Long carry; high cellaring potential. A cracking Merlot and great value for money" (Huon Hooke, The Real Review).