Richard Hamilton Centurion Shiraz 2019

Cheeky and rich winter warmer. Will hold it's own against a McLaren Vale or Barossa Shiraz.

A hearty plate for a hearty red. Put the fire on and be ready to put your feet up afterwards!

Looking for something to stand up to that big, bad red? Look here. And throw some garlic mash on the side.

Shiraz (which is essentially Syrah) is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines.

Wines made from Syrah are often powerfully flavoured and full-bodied. The variety produces wines with a wide range of flavor notes, depending on the climate and soils where it is grown, as well as other viticultural practices chosen. Aroma characters can range from violets to berries (usually dark as opposed to red), chocolate, espresso and black pepper. No one aroma can be called "typical" though blackberry and pepper are often noticed. With time in the bottle these "primary" notes are moderated and then supplemented with earthy or savory "tertiary" notes such as leather and truffle.

"Secondary" flavor and aroma notes are those associated with several things, generally winemakers' practices (such as oak barrel and yeast regimes).

History

It is called Syrah in its country of origin, France, as well as in the rest of Europe,

Less than 40km south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is another one of South Australia's renowned Shiraz producers, accounting for roughly 50% of grapes crushed annually. The climate is markedly different from the Barossa, being much more Mediterranean with four clear seasons and higher rainfalls. McLaren Vale reds reflect this, showing deep complexity and power along with the ability to cellar for decades. While Shiraz grabs the most attention, chocolate-rich Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays and Viogniers are worth sampling.

The climate is influenced by ocean breezes coming in from the Gulf of St. Vincent to the west and the altitude of the Sellicks Hill Range to the south. Soil type is varied, ranging from red-brown loam and sand to dark clay and the often-mentioned terra rosa. A misspell of the Italian phrase "terra rossa" (meaning "red soil"), this ruddy-red stuff is left behind when limestone breaks down, and any viticulturist will tell you it's great stuff to grow vines in due

Region: Coonawarra
Proprieter: Dr Richard Hamilton
Established: 1974
Address:
Riddoch Highway
Coonawarra
South Australia, 5263

The Leconfield vineyard was first planted in 1974 with the winery built in 1975 by 76 year old Sydney Hamilton who the dream of making a classic Australian red wine. He selected Coonawarra to make these fine red wines and created legends with his early vintages including the 1978 and 1980 Cabernets.

The winery was purchased by his nephew, Dr. Richard Hamilton in 1981 who also owned other vineyards and wineries in the McLaren region.

Since its inception, Leconfield has gained an enviable reputation for its dedication and commitment to producing wines that are a unique, cellarable style of the highest quality.