2011 Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon, Great Southern

In the cooler, continental climate of the Mount Baker sub region, the early warmth and dryness of the 2014 vintage produced very small berries, packed with flavour and substance. This wine has a wild, ethereal presence with aromas of briary, hedgerow fruits. Fragrant sweet spice and doughy oak notes add a warmth and dimension. More refined than robust, the palate’s soft, plush red fruits give richness and the fine line of supple tannins, length and structure. Cellar 7-10 years.

The bouquet is arresting in its complexity, with fresh and dried herbs, earth, blackcurrant and cedary oak all present, the medium to full-bodied palate providing a liquid replay, balance and harmony first up, length on the high quality finish.

 95 points – James Halliday