2009 Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

“In years to come we'll debate which was the winner of '08 and '09 Margaret River. The true winner: anyone who lined their cellar with either! Leston in '09 is textbook MRCS: capsicum, tobacco leaf, red- and blackcurrants, tomato leaf, sage, cedar and finely ground, dusty tannins... Drink 2019-2024.”

94 Points
Tyson Stelzer, Wine Taste Weekly - 16-01-2012

“Soft, pure and restrained yet offering delicious fruit, all packaged in a big strong framework of obvious and chewy - although still integrated - tannin. Savoury, herbal and vanilla overtones.”

17.6 Points
, Scoop Magazine - 23-08-2011

“A long, slow ripening period in Margaret River produced ideal growing conditions in 2009. Elegant, complex aromas of redcurrant, violets, blackberry, chocolate and cedar oak lead the way. There's a deep core of flavour that includes blackcurrant, redcurrant and a hint of eucalypt that is intense, yet gentle and delicious. It's a wine of great balance - nothing is out of place - with a luscious texture and fine tannins driving a long finish. A joy to drink now, but time in the cellar won't hurt.”

4.5 Points
Ben Thomas, The Weekly Review - 08-08-2011

“This is the kind of cabernet to make both Australia and Margaret River proud. A glove of seductive, cedary oak wraps around fruit flavour of pure, smooth blackcurrant. There are cloves and gravel notes too, and with 13.5% alcohol there's no alcohol heat to mar the finish - which allows flavours to snail on long after you've swallowed. I poured a glass on a night I wasn't really intending to drink. Next thing I knew two-thirds of the bottle had disappeared. I didn't regret a drop. It's a gem.”

Campbell Mattinson, Gourmet Traveller WINE - 01-08-2011

“Deep purple-red; from the key Yallingup/Wilyabrup areas and matured in French oak for 18 months; luscious but not blowsy cassis and blackcurrant fruit runs through the bouquet and palate; soft, ripe tannins and quality oak complete the picture.”

94 Points
James Halliday, James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion 2012 - 27-07-2011

“It's a wonderful wine but built to age, drinkable now but not fully enjoyable due to youth, it has all that is required give it time and it will repay the keeping 91 points even in its youthful phase but more down the track that will move it up to 95 maybe more. Worth its price.”

Tony Keys, The Key Report - 07-07-2011

“An opulent and densely packed cabernet from Margaret River. Just about the best yet under this label, with its deep, black fruits, dark chocolate and black olive aromas. Tannins are slightly chewy and the fine-grained oak lays a long path to a lingering finish. Excellent wine of great power and potential.”

Ray Jordan, FRESH, The West Australian - 01-07-2011
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