2020 West Cape Howe Two Steps Shiraz, Mt Barker

A focused, dense and structured shiraz showing aromas of dark berries, tar, roasted meat and some baking spices. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins. Fleshy and densely fruited, with a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

91 points Kevin Davy for James Suckling, January 2025

A big and spicy number. Quite oaky, too. Scents of woodsmoke, resinous walnut, ginger, blackberry jam and clove. Choc-cherry to taste, ripe, sweet and supple. Flows well with more fruit inherent over the oak-delivered characters in the bouquet. Tannins are sinewy and tighten things gently, acidity is bright and fresh. Bolder style, done pretty well. Drink 2023 to 2030.

90 points Mike Bennie for Halliday Wine Companion, December 2023

West Cape Howe is a family-run winery in Mount Barker based at the Langton vineyard established in 1978. The home vineyard fruit is complemented by fruit sourced primarily from Frankland River and the Porongurup, as well as the Perth Hills.

Two Steps Shiraz is a single-vineyard wine with estate-grown fruit from the Langton vineyard, representing a parcel selection of mostly the oldest vines now approaching forty years of age.

The 2020 vintage saw good growing conditions especially later in the season with healthy canopies contributing to full flavour development. The Shiraz fruit from Langton came in with small berries but in great condition. Vinified in stainless steel, with a portion drained to new oak mid-ferment adds weight and structure without dominating the fruit. Once blended back, the wine was matured in primarily seasoned French oak barriques for 18 months before bottling.

This is a bold and focused style of Shiraz that opens with rich aromas of ripe black fruit, clove and other warm baking spices and smoky wood. The palate is full-bodied, with generous helpings of dark fruit and chocolate over a sweet oak-derived character balanced by gentle tannins and fresh acidity. Long lasting spicy flavours.

A warming wine for the cooler days, pairing well with the flavours of smoked eggplant and lentil moussaka, Mechoui roasted lamb shoulder or slow-braised pork with black garlic and hatcho miso.