2019 Howard Park Leston Shiraz, Margaret River

Fruit from the Leston vineyard and selected parcels around the Wilyabrup area. Matured in French oak for 18 months (25% new). The cool 2019 season has left an indelible mark on this wine: it is delicate and poised, ready for drinking in the short–medium term. It is an elegant expression of Margaret River shiraz, wonderfully light on the oak impact in the mouth.

92 points EL winecompanion.com.au

The Howard Park Leston Shiraz was created from a selection of the best batches of Shiraz grown on our Leston vineyard, specifically block 17 and 4, which is located in the Wilyabrup sub-region of Margaret River. The soils in this vineyard are shallow lateritic gravels over sandy, clay loam.

Small parcels are hand-picked, and all batches are sorted to remove matter other than grapes, prior to fermentation. Fermentation occurs in open vat and closed stainless steel fermenters with diligent cap management to extract fine fruit tannin and strong varietal flavour.

From a vintage with a cool start, a warm finish and generous yields, the aromas are full of florals and spices. The dominant fruit notes of red, blue and black berries are integrated well with oak’s soft mocha and vanilla opulence to give a depth and richness to the palate. Hints of ginger, anise and pepper gently spice and season the wine and fine silky tannins give a supple, long finish.