NEWS: RIP Leasingham

[n4sir]

As I mentioned in the earlier Constellation thread, they haven't found a buyer for the Leasingham winery and it will be closed at the end of the month with a predicted loss of 350 jobs.

http://www.decanter.com/news/286360.html

Constellation will continue to produce wines under the brand name made at Reynella and move their 'viticultural headquarters' to the Provis vineyard (the only Clare vineyard they plan to retain). Many vineyards have apparently been sold off at near bare dirt value, and it's looking increasingly likely the historic winery itself will be sold off for a development other than winemaking (probably housing). It's a low point for the brand and a huge illuminated example of just how Constellation have completely stretched, bastardised and gutted what once was a prized asset in the BRL Hardy empire.

As I mentioned in the other place, with this latest development I think Langtons should seriously consider stripping the distinguished classification for the Leasingham Classic Clare shiraz. Leasingham is now a brand with no winery, one vineyard and minimal people, and is a bare shadow of what it was when the Classic Clare shiraz won this rating after a consistent run of successes in the '90s.

Quality of the wine has nosedived since the listing (specifically post-1999 vintage) which has been reflected in the rather lacklustre prices the wines get at auction (with the notable exception of the 1994/1996/1998 vintages). The latter may or may not have been affected by Constellation dumping stock (including cleanskins) on the auction market - although this also can be seen as an indicator of a significant drop in quality and/or demand which itself should trigger a review. That's what I think anyway, and other wines have been dropped for much less.

Cheers,
Ian

[James Douglas Hook]

As I mentioned in the other place, with this latest development I think Langtons should seriously consider stripping the distinguished classification for the Leasingham Classic Clare shiraz. Leasingham is now a brand with no winery, one vineyard and minimal people, and is a bare shadow of what it was when the Classic Clare shiraz won this rating after a consistent run of successes in the '90s.

Very interesting point. When does a winery'lose' its reputation? Leasingham changing site, vineyards, winemaking team and production methods, also ownership in this case, makes an interesting case.

[dazza1968]

I Have always enjoyed their wines and without realising what had been going on had stopped buying alot of their wine from 02 on , The Bin 61 has always been a winner for me in the cellar and it was a wine for years i just bought with out trying , I hope they dont go too far !

Regards Dazza

[Wizz]

Very interesting point. When does a winery'lose' its reputation? Leasingham changing site, vineyards, winemaking team and production methods, also ownership in this case, makes an interesting case.

Doesn't leave a lot of Leasingham left in Leasingham does it!

AB

[griff]

As I mentioned in the earlier Constellation thread, they haven't found a buyer for the Leasingham winery and it will be closed at the end of the month with a predicted loss of 350 jobs.

http://www.decanter.com/news/286360.html

I think that is 350 jobs nationally. Or the cellardoor is a lot bigger than it looks!

It is very sad news indeed. Unfortunately it makes little difference to by buying habits now as I am already cranky about the McLaren vineyard sale and am trying to not buy them. I can hardly boycott them twice! Just hope that Ed Carr leaves Constellation soon as I do so like what he does with bubbles

cheers

Carl