Leconfield Sparkling Blanc de Blancs NV
- 92
- $36
- Drink by: 2026-2032
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A sparkler made from Coonawarra Chardonnay is not something we see all that often, but this one really works very well. There has been reserve wine included in the final blend. The reserve wine, from 2022 and also Chardonnay of course, had been aged in oak. The wine also had an extended period on lees. The dosage, which in the end formed around 2% of the final blend, was actually their 2021 Coonawarra Noble Riesling. The colour here is a pale lemon, so pale that it is perhaps even a little watery in appearance. The nose reveals an array of attractive aromas including grapefruit, oystershells, florals and lemon, along with a touch of toast. There is juicy acidity running the length and the wine is fresh and focused. Everything is well supported by a minerally/chalky backing. The wine is of medium length with a lingering finish and should provide pleasure for the next four to six years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
