Leconfield 2021 Best Wines Under $50

Typically Cab Franc is relegated to a bit part in Cabernet blends, featuring alongside one or more of the other ‘Cab Family’ varieties with Cabernet Sauvignon holding the mic. in a Nirvana like blend while some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and/or Petit Verdot draw straws for the drums, bass, bagpipes and triangle. That said, when Cab Franc branches out on its own it can be quite magnificent. We noticed on our recent trip to the home of the Cab family, Bordeaux that global warming has seen use of Cab Sauv start to fall away, with Cab Franc on the rise as it is able to retain varietal integrity as the world warms. The Leconfield is exceptional single vineyard Cab Franc from vines planted in 1982. Ageing occurs in French oak (90%) most of which is old. The wine is racked often to soften the tannins. The net result is kinda like a perfumed and expressive, yet gentler version of a top end Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn More

No made in every vintage and even then in tiny quantities. This blend sees early ripening Cab blended with Merlot and Cab Franc left to hand a little longer on the vine than normal. This enables the 3 varieties to be picked at the same time and co-fermented, resulting in the perfectly harmonious integration of flavours. Deep in colour; the nose is fresh, and bright, offering dark fruit aromas, cedar, cigar box and dark chocolate. It balances richness with elegance beautifully and finishes with perfectly modulated fine tannins. Learn More