1995 Howard Park Riesling Tasting Notes

Howard Park Riesling is sourced from a very small area around Mt. Barker in the Great Southern which produces Riesling of great character that has proven ability to benefit from long term cellaring. All Howard Park Rieslings are made from free run juice only. This represents the finest juice fraction of the grape with the most delicate aromatic compounds of both aroma and flavour; this juice portion also has the highest level of acidity and the lowest proportion of bitter, phenolic compounds. The juice is filtered prior to fermentation to remove as much of the solid grape material as possible and ensure the cleanest ferment. Fermentation is facilitated by neutral yeast with low flavour characteristics to ensure that it is the flavour of the fruit that comes through to the resultant wine. Low fermentation temperature (around 12 - 13°C) ensures that the delicate aromas and flavours are not lost to the fermentation process. All Howard Park Rieslings are fermented to complete dryness with minimal residua; sugar producing the fresh long living style that Howard Park is known for. The wine is clarified immediately at completion of fermentation in order to prevent any leesy, bready characters developing. The wine very rarely requires acid addition.

1995 was the tenth anniversary release of Howard Park Riesling. Fortunately 1995 was a very strong year in Western Australia and the Great Southern in particular. The 1995 Riesling is typical of the region with all the limey and mineral characters in a very tight package of exceptional freshness now but with ample potential for future development. The first hints of tastiness are beginning to emerge giving a hint to future complexity. Sit on this one a while.

Bright, very youthful green hues. Amazing youthfulness. Fresh primary zesty, toasty, bath salts, complex array of aromas. Bright fresh palate, youthful, tight structure, loads of acid but has fruit to support acid. Secondary toasty characters starting to develop. Very good.

Drinking Window: Now to 2012
Rating: 5 Stars