Koerner - Leko Adelaide Hills Rouge 2021

LEKO Wine is an Adelaide Hills sister brand to Clare Valley's Koerner Wine. Damon Koerner and his wife Maddy bought a property in Lenswood in 2017, now home to this winery. Damon developed a passion for the Adelaide Hills through his 10 years as a viticulturist in the region. The name LEKO represents Lenswood and Koerner while also giving a nod to Maddy’s maiden name, Lehmann. This lighter red blends 39% Pinot Noir, 24% Sangiovese, 23% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 5% Mencia & 1% Gamay from 3 Adelaide Hills vineyards, rooted in sandy clay loams. All was destemmed with 50% whole berry (no whole bunch) and native fermented in stainless open top fermenters over 2 weeks, then rested 7 months in 2000L Slavonian oak Foudre, followed by a tightening stint back in stainless for 5 months. It was bottled without fining or filtration. This juicy, lighter red fills the mouth with red currant, herbal raspberry, delicately perfumed red florals, wrapped all with gossamer fine tannins and buoyed by a tart, lifted grapefruit acidity. The finish fades out with a fine, lingering green herbal spice. A charmer, and one enjoyed with a slight chill.