The Gate Crasher Red Blend, 2015. Leogate

Leogate Estate was founded in 2008 when Bill and Vicki Widin purchased the original Brokenback Vineyard, situated at the foot of Hunter Valley. The old vineyard was planted by one of Australia's most legendary winemakers, Len Evans, in the 1960's. The estate is not only legendary because of the wines that have been produced there, but also because it is in Hunter Valley of New South Wales, Australia's oldest wine producing region. The Widen's sought to produce legendary, luxurious wine from a legendary estate, and they have certainly accomplished that.

In 2016 Leogate purchased an organic vineyard at Gulgong, also in New South Wales, Australia, near the Mudgee region. The vines here are now 25 years old and are producing the very finest grapes imaginable. The makeup in the bottle mirrors the planting in the vineyard; 40% Shiraz, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot.

For the longest time, Australia was known for making big, buxom wines with imposing flavors and extracts. However, as the world's taste for lighter foods took hold, these larger than life wines began to lose their luster. Enter winemaker Mark Woods. Mark made wines similar to his demeanor: quiet, elegant and complex.

The name Leogate refers to the gates that surround the winery. Each entrance has a lion mounted at the top. The wine is anything but a crasher. It is an elegant, poised offering with soft, rich tannins and complexity from its French oak aging and has lush finish. It would be perfect with slow roasted pheasant or Peking duck.

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