Leconfield Cabernet Franc

In 1974, and at the ripe old age of 76, Sydney Hamilton was chasing his life ambition of growing and making a classic Australian Cabernet. He purchased land on the now world famous ‘terra rossa’ strip in Coonawarra. He called it Leconfield.

The Hamilton family is one of Australia’s original winemaking families (going way back to 1837) and it was in 1981 (after a whopping 65 vintages under his belt!) that Sydney decided to hang up the boots and retire. It was his nephew, Dr Richard Hamilton, who bought the company from his uncle and combined it with his own Richard Hamilton Wines brand and based it at the Leconfield winery in the McLaren Vale.

This is their 2019 vintage Cabernet Franc. And in the words of one critic – “All hail Cabernet Franc!”

Cabernet Franc (kab-er-nay fronk) is the parent grape of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and produces medium bodied reds full of soft, plush fruit sweetness (think bright blackberry, blackcurrant and cassis) with a touch of cedar spice. This is an absolutely banging example of 100% Cabernet Franc…

95/100 (Huon Hooke, The Real Review)
“Youthful red/purple colour, with a fresh, bright, blackberry and blackcurrant aroma, very classic and varietal, cedar and cassis deliciously aromatic and translating to a superbly drinkable palate. Some crushed leafiness at the core. Soft tannins, fine structure, good persistence. A terrific wine and great value.”

95/100 (Jane Faulkner, James Halliday’s Wine Companion)
“All hail cabernet franc. So under-appreciated as a varietal, and yet Leconfield knows how to weave some magic. Aromatics to swoon over and the sweetly-fruited core comes packaged in spice, potpourri and fresh bay leaves, with a savoury overlay. It enjoys a plushness, a softness across the palate, complete with fine tannins. Gorgeous now, but will garner more complexity in time.”

These guys are absolute masters in the craft of Coonawarra Cabernet. Treat yourself and if you could possibly resist, try cellaring some away until 2035 or beyond. If you’re looking for a food match, remember that Cabernet Franc is a really food friendly wine and will pair nicely with a range of meats like roast chicken, pork, duck, sausage, lamb and veal. The slightly higher acidity means it’ll also pair with tomato based dishes.