2023 Howard Park Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River

The nose is deeply perfumed, giving aromas of blackcurrants, boysenberries, cinnamon bark and rose petals. The full-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins, showing wild blackberries, graphite, salt brine and dried herbs. Very complex and refined. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

95 points jamessuckling.com

Howard Park Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River is a standout expression of the region’s signature red grape, delivering classic structure, dark fruit intensity and exceptional value. Margaret River is one of Australia's great wine regions, renowned for producing some of the country’s most elegant and age worthy Cabernets, and this wine captures all of that pedigree in a remarkably approachable style.

Crafted under the guidance of Chief Winemaker Nic Bowen, the Miamup Cabernet is made with fruit sourced from vineyards across the southern parts of Margaret River, where gravelly soils and the cooling influence of the Indian and Southern Oceans allow for slow, even ripening. The result is Cabernet with purity, fine tannins and lifted aromatics.

The winemaking is gentle and focused on balance. Fermentation is in small lots to preserve site character and fruit definition. After fermentation, the wine is matured in a combination of French oak barrels for around 12 months, with a mix of new and seasoned oak used to frame the fruit without overwhelming it.

In the glass, the wine opens with aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, bay leaf and subtle cedar spice. The palate is medium to full bodied with dark plum and blackberry layered over fine tannins and a fresh acid line. It finishes savoury and long with notes of graphite, dried herbs and soft oak influence.

Howard Park Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon consistently punches well above its price point and is one of the best value Cabernets coming out of Margaret River. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roast lamb or a hearty mushroom dish and has the structure to age gracefully over five to seven years.