2003 Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes

This wine is sourced from only the highest regarded vineyards and is given extraordinary attention in the vineyard. Canopy management is designed to maximise fruit exposure to the sunlight and yields are low to achieve concentration in the grapes. 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 is given some 15 days on skins to further develop the tannin profile prior to going into French oak barriques: 75% new, 25% 1 year old. This wine was matured in the barrel for approximately 18 months. There was minimal fining and filtration performed.

Very dark opaque blood red. The classic vineyard character is expressed in a bouquet of ripe cassis with a dark cooking chocolate mint character. The palate displays massive fruit weight with dark cherry and blackcurrant flavours. The palate is remarkably fleshy for a wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is a classic new world style of Cabernet Sauvignon, very easy to like.

Considerable ageing potential.