2016 Howard Park Scotsdale Shiraz, Great Southern

Clear, bright crimson-purple; has a very different personality to its Leston sibling, which is to be expected. The type of oak and the role of tannins reflect the cool climate, backed up by the juicy elegance of the medium-bodied palate. The constellation of spices and gentle, refreshing acidity complete the picture.

95 points James Halliday

Howard Park has long been recognised as one of Western Australia's benchmark producers, with an unwavering commitment to expressing the individuality of the state's finest wine regions. Founded by the Burch family and guided by a philosophy of meticulous vineyard selection and thoughtful winemaking, the estate has earned an enviable reputation for elegant, ageworthy wines. The Scotsdale Shiraz is sourced from the cool climate vineyards of the Great Southern, where long growing seasons and ancient soils produce a style that is defined by fragrance, refinement and quiet power rather than sheer weight.

The outstanding 2016 vintage provided near perfect conditions for Shiraz, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly while retaining freshness and remarkable natural balance. After careful maturation in French oak, the wine has now entered a superb stage of development, where vibrant primary fruit has begun to intertwine with the savoury complexity that only time in bottle can reveal. It is drinking beautifully, offering all the rewards of careful cellaring while still possessing the structure for further evolution.

Deep garnet with a bright ruby edge, the bouquet is wonderfully expressive, opening with blackberry, black cherry and satsuma plum before revealing layers of cracked black pepper, star anise and dried thyme. Time in the glass uncovers notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite, black olive and hints of cocoa, all seamlessly woven together. The palate is medium to full bodied, silky and beautifully composed, with dark berry fruit framed by finely resolved tannins and vibrant acidity. Savoury spice, earthy complexity and a gentle mineral thread carry through a long, graceful finish, highlighting the elegance that has become the hallmark of Great Southern Shiraz at maturity.

A magnificent match for slow roasted lamb shoulder, grilled venison, beef cheeks, roast duck or wild mushroom pappardelle. Now in its prime drinking window, this beautifully mature Shiraz is ready to enjoy today, yet will continue to reward careful cellaring for another five to eight years.