Leconfield Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Coonawarra's famous terra rossa soil - a thin strip of red clay over limestone - creates ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This unique terroir produces wines with exceptional structure and the distinctive eucalyptus notes found in this Leconfield Manor House. The cool climate allows for slow ripening, developing the silky tannins and impressive length that make Coonawarra cabs among Australia's most celebrated reds.

This Leconfield Manor House has impressive cellaring potential of up to two decades, thanks to its full-bodied structure and well-integrated tannins. The 2022 vintage will continue developing complexity, with the chocolate and spice notes becoming more pronounced while the fruit flavours evolve from fresh blackberries to more savoury, earthy characteristics. Peak drinking will likely be between 2028-2035, though it will remain excellent throughout its cellaring window.

The rich, full-bodied profile with chocolate and spice notes makes this perfect for red meat dishes - think grilled lamb with rosemary, aged beef steaks, or slow-cooked beef bourguignon. The eucalyptus and mint characteristics also complement game meats beautifully. For cheese pairings, try aged cheddar or blue cheese, where the wine's silky tannins will balance the richness while the blackcurrant flavours enhance the savoury elements.

The Manor House label typically represents Leconfield's premium tier, showcasing fruit from their best vineyard blocks in Coonawarra. This designation indicates careful vineyard selection and extended winemaking techniques that enhance the wine's complexity and ageing potential. The silky tannins and impressive length mentioned suggest this wine has received extended maceration and possibly oak treatment to develop its sophisticated structure and phenomenal flavour profile.

These distinctive herbal characteristics are hallmarks of premium Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, influenced by both the region's unique terroir and the variety's natural expression in cooler climates. The eucalyptus notes often develop from the interaction between the grape's natural compounds and the limestone-rich soils, while mint characteristics emerge during fermentation and can be enhanced by careful oak selection. These herbaceous elements add complexity and are considered desirable traits in high-quality Australian Cabernet.