2001 Howard Park Scotsdale 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.

Blood red of less density that the Leston. The nose immediately demonstrates the key difference between Margaret River and the Great Southern with dusty and earthy aromas predominating over primary fruit characters. This wine defines the soil from which it came; the gravelly red dirt from which the vines struggle to emerge plant an imprint on the aromas and flavours of the grapes. The palate is long and seductive without the powerhouse up front fruit of the Leston but with more complex textural components and mature ripe tannins. This wine has extraordinary persistence of flavour. An outstanding example of old vine Great Southern Cabernet Sauvignon.