2005 Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Notes

The Howard Park Leston wines carry the Howard Park label and therefore are sourced from only the highest regarded vineyards and are 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 static stainless steel tanks with highly aerative pumpovers that are integral in tannin development. 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 wine was matured in barrel for approximately 18 months. There was minimal fining and filtration performed.

The 2005 Leston Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense dark red to black colour of great intensity. Its bouquet is intense and intriguing led by the ripe cassis and berry fruits with some savoury undertones. It is inviting and opulent but brooding in its youth. Behind the primary fruits are distinctive vineyard characteristics of dark chocolate and warm earth. 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 Sauvignon with massive fruit weight with blackcurrant and earthy flavours. Very youthful and tight the 2005 still has ample fruit sweetness, well integrated oak and long very finely textured tannins. This is a big full wine with ample flavour and concentration in the classic Margaret River mould.

Medium term
5-8 years recommended