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 was crowned 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.
The temperate maritime region of Margaret River stretches a north to south distance of 100kms. Bound by oceans on three sides, subtle climatic and site differences exist over the five physiographic regions and fifteen diverse land form systems that comprise the region. From this diversity of locations an extensive array of varietal expressions in both Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon proliferate. A treasure trove of diversity and choice has allowed the regions signature white blend to thrive.
From the winemaker about this vintage: ““Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from our vineyards in the southern part of the region in order to capture strong varietal intensity and high natural acidity. Semillon is more broadly sourced from the south and center to capture the full spectrum of fruit flavours on offer.
“Each individual vineyard block was vinified separately. All batches were cool fermented in stainless steel to maximise varietal character and fruit flavours. Special batches were then run to oak, adding complexity and texture.
“The 2024 vintage was early, compressed and fast-paced. The cool, wet 2023 winter weather disappeared quickly and was replaced by a dry, warm spring. Above-average temperatures and almost no rainfall led to early budburst and perfect growing conditions for vines. Canopy growth was good, flowering occurred early and went through quickly, leading to early veraison in all varieties. In late December, colour could be seen in Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, pointing to a very early vintage, and January saw a continuation of the dry conditions.
“2024 was also a vintage with abundant marri blossom, known as a “mast year”, and there was little to no grape loss due to the native silvereye birds. This usually occurs every four years or so, as it takes the trees time to muster sufficient resources to produce a massive flowering. Harvest began in mid-January, four weeks earlier than usual. Fruit continued to ripen rapidly and early attention to detail in the vineyard paid dividends. Picking dates needed careful consideration to ensure physiological maturity with vibrancy of fruit expression, and the narrow windows of opportunity to harvest required skilful scheduling of vineyard and winery teams. All varieties reached full maturity earlier than we are used to, and lower yields in some varieties and vineyards led to a concentration of aromas and flavours. This bodes well for some superb quality wines from 2024 in both Margaret River and Great Southern.
“Pale green-straw in the glass, this wine bursts with aromas of gooseberry, green apple, and crunchy pear, complemented by subtle notes of cut grass and scratched citrus skin. The palate is lively and fresh, delivering flavours of lemon and lime pulp, redcurrants, and a hint of tropical fruit that enriches the mid-palate. A zingy acidity brings vibrancy and balance, amplifying the wine’s freshness and energy. This expressive, layered wine is ideal for immediate enjoyment with light fare, offering a crisp, refreshing experience true to the classic Margaret River style. “
92 points, jamessuckling.com “Citrus-driven aromas of lemon peel, lime peel and green apples on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with focused acidity and a generous texture, giving notes of passionfruit, cut grass and green papayas. Delicious and fresh.”
92 points, Stuart Knox, The Real Review “Very pale lemon hue, touch of lime in the light. Passionfruit, jasmine and chalky aromatics. Vibrant and very fresh, lemon zest, passionfruit and green grass notes all run across the palate with a drive of bright acidity. Touch of salinity adds character into the finish.”
91 points, Ray Jordan, Winepilot “In this warmer year, sourcing fruit from the slightly cooler southern vineyards has provided the life and energy to the concentrated semillon. It’s a ripe and juicy, flavourful wine with typical gooseberry, lemon and melon flavours tightened and freshened with a bright acidity. A light touch of oak contributes to its palate completeness. An edgy tart pineapple character on the finish is the final lift.”
RRP $30 *Our Special Price $23.50 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*
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