2014 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.

 96 points – James Halliday

This is in superb form, its curranty flavour and combination of earthen/tobacco-like notes pulled inexorably through to a taut-but-lengthy finish. It's a champion for medium weight cabernet; quality without stress, length without overreach, flavour without borders. $46/14.5%/2040