1998 Leconfield Coonawarra Cabernets

The 1998 vintage in Coonawarra was outstanding as recent barrel tastings verified, and if the barrel auction prices are any indication, then one thing seems certain, that top wine prices are still on the move. The Cabernet Sauvignon auction held at the Coonawarra Hall on Sunday October 24th produced some astounding results. Each barrel was to ultimately produce twenty cases of wine. Top of the auction was Mildara with the record price of $31,000 for 20 cases, that's equivalent to $129 per bottle! Majella came in next at $25,000, followed by Redman at $24,000, Wynns at $22,000, Katnook $20,000, Penley $17,000 and Rymill and Kidman both at $11,000. That's an average of $78 per bottle for 1998 Coonawarra Cabernets. Nick spent 3 days travelling and tasting in Coonawarra, and based on the Barrel Auction prices we can safely say we've got quite a few bargains lined up. The first of which has to be the 1998 Leconfield Cabernets.
The exceptional 1998 Coonawarra vintage was long and cool after a warm dry summer. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly which resulted in small ripe berries of maximum concentration and flavour. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc the wine was matured in small French oak casks for twelve months. Opaque crimson mauve colour. Superb aroma of mint, blackcurrant and cedar flavours are brilliantly layerd and provide a complex palate experience. This quality is in part due to the use of different fermentation techniques as well as using barrels from different Coopers. Fine grained dry tannins, perfectly balanced, followed by long truffle, blackcurrant, mulberry and leather aftertaste.
Cellar 8-10 years.
AN OUTSTANDING WINE.

Retasted: April 2003
Vintaged from the greatest vintage of last century, the 1998 LeconfieldCabernets is a Ralph Fowler masterpiece that hasbeen recently re-released. We have a small parcel of this wine to sell.

The wine consists of a blend of CabernetSauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Very deep crimsoncolour, with a hint of brick red emerging on thehue. Superb nose - showing excellent aromas of dark chocolate, spice, plumand cedar followed by a touch of leather. Thepalate flavours are impressive, with mouthfilling flavours of spice, blackpepper, leather, dark chocolate andblackcurrant. Wonderful texture, with hints of dark chocolate, mint,blackpepper, leather and spice.
Cellar 3-4 years (2006-2007)
Alc/Vol 13.5%

RATING: 98/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5