2021 Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon, Great Southern

Youthful, deep, dark and bright in the glass. Complex aromas of blackberry, bramble, dried herbs, dark cherry, cigarbox, cedar and lead pencil. Classic and evocative Great Southern cabernet aromas. Textured, layered and full of briary dark and blue fruits on the palate. There’s a fabulous drive of pure and precise fruit and oak. The tannins are granular, firm and sophisticated and the acidity has zip, ping and purpose. Long, archetypal and really smart gear 06 Oct 2024 Drink 2024–2039

95 points Aaron Brasher therealreview.com

Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon, hailing from the esteemed Great Southern region of Western Australia, exemplifies the finesse and depth of cool-climate Cabernet Sauvignon. Howard Park, established in 1986 by the Burch family, has built a reputation for crafting wines that showcase the unique characteristics of Western Australia's diverse terroirs. The Scotsdale vineyard, situated in the temperate and pristine Great Southern region, is renowned for its ancient soils and ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in wines of exceptional balance and character.

The winemaking process for Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon is meticulous, emphasizing minimal intervention to preserve the purity of the fruit. Handpicked grapes are fermented in small batches, with extended maceration to extract optimal flavor, color, and structure. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, enhancing its complexity and aging potential.

On the palate, the Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon offers a harmonious interplay of elegance and power. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry are complemented by hints of cedar, mint, and a touch of graphite. The palate reveals finely structured tannins, vibrant acidity, and layers of black fruit, chocolate, and subtle spice, culminating in a long, polished finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent candidate for cellaring, developing further complexity over time.