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Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon

It's been a long time time since I have concentrated my efforts on Australian wines. I used to try an awful lot while living in the UK some 20 years ago, but since then it has mostly been in connection with Sommelier training.

Margaret River which is in the western part of Australia is an emerging wine district with high quality wines. Often good value for money.
It avoids the really hot temperatures due to the proximity to the sea.

The wine is blended from the best batches grown on the Leston vineyard in the Wilyabrup sub region.

Some of the grapes parcels had prolonged skin contact to extract maximum colour and tannin. The wine then spent 18 months in french oak barriques before being bottled. 40% new oak.

This is a dense and big wine. Dark fruit, vanilla and plum on the nose with some sweet mint and cinnamon as well. Big mouthful with soft delicate dark fruit and ripe integrated tannins. A well made wine indeed.

46 Aussie dollars.

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