2001 Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes

The 2001 grapegrowing season was as close to perfect as could be expected. A very dry 2000 winter left us with some of the lowest water supplies on record. The dry winter gave way to some early spring rains and then and almost completely rain free summer growing season. Temperatures were warm without being too hot; yields were good without being excessive. It was a season in which the decision to pick was made according to the flavour and tannin development in the grape rather than the prospect of impending rain. Cabernet Sauvignon on the vine showed intense colour and flavour with mature tannin promising outstanding wine if we got it right in the winery. The grapes are harvested according to flavour with little regard for analytical data, fermentation occurs in open topped stainless steel tanks with highly aerative pumpovers that are integral in tannin development. At completion of fermentation the Cabernet Sauvignon is given some 15 days on skins after completion of fermentation to further develop the tannin profile prior to going to French oak barriques; 75% new 25% 1 year old. The wines were matured in the barrel for approximately 18 months. There was minimal fining and filtration performed.

Deep crimson red with youthful purple hues, a dark heart indicates great concentration. The nose bursts with ripe fruits – raspberry, dark cherries and cassis blackcurrants with chocolate cake richness.This is the definitive fruit driven wine. The classic Margaret River mintiness is evident but with no eucalypt or vegetal tones. The palate bursts with up front ripe flavour, sweet fruit flavours of considerable length are tempered by firm tannin. This is a great wine to drink offering the essence of ripe Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon.