2000 Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvginon Tasting Notes

The 2000 grape growing season in the Great Southern was dominated by the influence of two cyclonic weather patterns sweeping down from the North with heavy rainfall events experienced across the region. The rainfall activity was highly unpredictable with vineyards separated by only a few kilometres experiencing entirely different conditions. The outcome of the unusual conditions was catastrophic for some growers who lost or had their crop downgraded. Some growers however came through the season unscathed and produced outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon with wonderful regional characteristics. The grapes selected for this wine were identified in the vineyard as of exceptional quality potential and were harvested separately and vinified in small tanks with intensive skin contact to develop wine texture. The wine was then put to new and one year old French oak barriques for approximately 18 months. No fining was required, minimal course filtration was performed prior to bottling.

The 2000 Howard Park ‘Scotsdale’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Great Southern Cabernet Sauvignon, lighter in colour and palate weight than its Margaret River cousins but with rich varietal aromas and complex flavours. Dusty, earthy tones on the nose with ripe cassis complemented by cedary oak with a touch of char. The palate is more fruit driven than the nose with blackberry flavours supported by classy oak. The stand out character is the soft velvety tannins that provide textural interest.
This is a wine of great elegance and textural complexity that makes it stand out from the traditional Australian blockbuster red.

This wine has good structure which is the key to aging potential. Secondary flavour development should peak in 5 to 8 years.