A deep flavoured Shiraz that shows numerous levels in depth. A beautifully crafted Shiraz that has one numerous awards, a true pleasure to drink.
Awards and Accolades
96 Points, James Halliday, Wine Companion “The dense but vibrant hue flags the sumptuous wine that follows, flooded with blackberry, blackcurrant and spice; while it flirts with full-bodied status, it has a supple and long, very well balanced, palate. The 5% Great Southern component isn't identifiable per se, but has played a role. Lovely wine.”
93 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front “Shiraz from the Leston vineyard in Margaret River. All French oak, 40% new. This is big and ripe for a Margaret River shiraz. It tips into sumptuous territory. Blue and black berries, cloves, smoky oak, creamy vanillin, a river of flavour. More sweet than savoury, in the ripe sense of the word, though spice and gunmetal notes play about the edges. Lots to wrap your lips around here.”
93 Points, Huon Hooke “Deep red/purple hue and a spicy, ginger and cinnamon-flecked aroma. The palate is lovely and rich, concentrated and sumptuously full-flavoured, full-bodied, almost opulent. The tannins are likewise lavish. A big wine that will cellar long-term.”
From the Winery
The Howard Park distinguished sites are crafted to highlight the distinctive regional and vineyard characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from our best vineyard sites in Margaret River and the Great Southern, the two premier West Australian grape growing regions.
Harvest occurred from mid to late March. The best parcels from the Leston vineyard blocks 4 & 17 Shiraz are consistently chosen for this wine. Small parcels are hand-picked and all batches are sorted to remove matter other than grapes, prior to fermentation. Vinification occurs in both open vat and closed stainless steel fermenters with diligent cap management to extract fine fruit tannin and strong varietal flavour. Select parcels of wine are run to barrel between 2 & 3º Be to capture new barrel characters from the final few degrees of fermentation. The remaining blocks are pressed at dryness to retain fruit vibrancy. After pressing, each batch is matured separately in order to build a wine history over time. Post pressing, each batch is matured separately in order to build a wine history over time.
The wine is matured for a minimum of 18 months in 40% new and 60% older, French oak barriques to ensure the thorough integration of oak and grape tannins. After egg white fining and light filtration, the wine is bottled.
The expression of Shiraz that grows in the temperate Margaret River region combines the ripeness and opulence of warmer climates with the spice and elegance more typical of cooler ones.
The aromas of red colored fruits imply warmth and richness as oak chimes in with its inviting mocha and cocoa notes. Hints of ginger, anise and pepper add elegance and spice. Round and opulent, the palate is rich in boundless fruit yet retains a weight that is more akin to compote than jam. The plush mouthfeel is freshened by young chewy tannins.
Don't Pay: $50.00
WBW Rating: 95/100
Closure: Screw Cap
Region: Margaret River, WA
Winemaker: Janice McDonald
Drink now until: 2022
Alc/Vol: 14.5 %