The Howard Park Best Barrels Merlot is a select release wine, only produced in vintages where merlot is identified both in the vineyard and in the winery to be of exceptional quality. In the history of Howard Park wines this has occurred in only two vintages, 1995 and 2003. In 2003 our Leston Vineyard team chose 20 rows of merlot fruit and implemented specialised vineyard practices. The intensive treatment showed excellent results and our second Best Barrels Merlot. The 2003 Howard Park Best Barrels Merlot has been widely acclaimed receiving a gold medal and nominated “best in class” at the 2004 Margaret River Wine show and in James Halliday’s 2006 Wine Companion it was rated 95 points, the highest rating awarded to a Merlot wine and listed in the best of the best by varietal. When released in exceptional vintages this exclusive wine is one not to miss.
This wine has great density of colour rarely seen in Merlot with a dark heart suggesting great fruit concentration. The aroma supports this suggestion with an intensity of fruit character only seen in top class wine. Ripe berry fruits with dark chocolate aromas are complemented by a cedary oak background. This wine has none of the weedy leafy characters seen so frequently in lesser Merlot. The palate is soft full and generous with sweet berry fruits supported by ripe silky tannin. The wine has extended flavour length.
Complete Tasting Note
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