Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Description

Howard Park, one of Western Australia’s pioneering wine families with a 30 year history and two generations of tireless work of the Burch family, they specialise in the state’s premier grape-growing regions of Margaret River and the Great Southern. They are also part of Australia’s First Families of Wine (AFFW), an exciting collective of 12 multi-generational family-owned wine producers.

Winemaker Janice McDonald and the family are still celebrating after winning Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year for 2018. Peter Forrestal, of Gourmet Traveller said  “Janice McDonald is an astounding winemaker: demanding of herself and others; rigorous; painstaking in her attention to detail.”

Margaret River is Australia’s most spectacular wine region with breathtaking coastline, Karri forests and maritime climate perfectly suited to premium grape growing.  100% estate grown fruit Howard Park makes beautiful wines with depth of fruit, balance and structure that overdeliver across the board.

This wine is part of Howard Park’s Distinguished Sites range. Cabernet Sauvignon from their Leston vineyard carefully collected from Blocks 29 & 30., located in the heart of Margaret River, is crafted to highlight the distinctive varietal and regional qualities of their best sites. In the temperate climate of Margaret River, Cabernet Sauvignon is at home. Here the maritime influences temper the extremes of seasons, and allow Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive.

2023 release is here after an exceptional growing season in Margaret River…

About the 2023 vintage from the winemaker: Dry, sunny, and warm weather free from any extreme heat continued throughout summer creating an idyllic atmosphere for steady, prolonged ripening with harvest commencing on the 16 February and not finishing until 22 April. Minimal rain fell during this period allowing the fruit to stay out on the vine until full ripeness and flavour development were achieved while cooling winds ensured good acid retention and freshness. Some late summer/early autumn rain events delayed the red harvest slightly, however, the rainfall did not lead to any disease pressure, instead, it refreshed canopies and invigorated the vines. Altogether another high-quality, graceful year much like 2022.

96 Points, Ray Jordan “I don’t think I’ve seen a better Leston cabernet over the years, and that’s not surprising given the maturity of the vineyards now and the excellence of the vintage. It’s been crafted to produce a wine that is both elegant and poised, with concentrated deep fruit characters presented with control and focus. Aromas of intense blackcurrant and plum, with slightly minty leafy notes. The palate shows deep concentration, with brightness and energy punching through to the finish.”

95 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion “Overall, there’s seems to be more restraint with the reds from ’23, a lovely cooler vintage, although this still gets 25% new oak and was aged 18 months. Yet the fruit has taken it all in. Plenty of varietal charm, the fine, powdery tannins and tangy acidity adding to the succulence across the fuller-bodied palate before a fresh, dry finish.”