2004 Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes

The Howard Park Leston vineyard, located in the Wilyabrup valley – the heart of Margaret River red grape country, is given extraordinary attention in the vineyard. Canopy management is designed to maximize 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 Sauvignon is given some 15 days on skins to further develop the tannin profile prior to going to French oak barriques; 75% new 25% 1 year old.
The wine was matured in the barrel for approximately 18 months. There was minimal fining and filtration performed.

The Leston Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense dark red to black colour of great intensity. The aroma has an intense and rich bouquet led by the ripest cassis and berry fruits, rich and opulent but brooding in its youth. Behind the primary fruits are distinctive vineyard characteristics of dark chocolate and mint. The oak is background cedar which will recede further as the fruits emerge with some bottle age.
The Leston vineyard consistently produces intense fleshy and full mid palate Cabernet with massive fruit weight with dark cherry and blackcurrant flavours. On release, youthful and tight, ample fruit sweetness that will only become more accessible with bottle maturation. This is a big full wine with ample flavour and concentration in the classic Margaret River mould.

Medium term
5-8 years recommended