Howard Park, Margaret River & Denmark (Great Southern)

Howard Park was established by Jeff Burch and John Wade in the mid-1980s and quickly achieved fame for its wines. In the late 1990s, after considerable success in the market place, Howard Park decided to move its red wine production to Margaret River to take advantage of its reputation and proximity to a larger population base. The winemaking team – currently headed up by Tony Davis - has maintained continuity and is making considerable improvements to the style.

Howard Park Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot, first vintage 1986, is a multi-region five-vineyard WA blend. Noted for it’s intense, blackcurrant, blackberry, briary aromas, balance and structure, this wine needs several years to meld. The majority of the wine comes from Mount Barker and Porongurup with some parcels from Margaret River. The final selection process for the wine occurs in barrel at the end of two years when each barrel is tasted separately to grade the wine.

The Chardonnay fruit comes from vineyards around Denmark in the Lower Great Southern. These wines show excellent fruit definition and creamy complexity.

The Howard Park Riesling is made only from Riesling grown in the Great Southern and, more specifically, around Mt. Barker and the Porongurup Ranges. This is one of the few recognised Rieslings outside Clare and Eden Valleys.

Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon - based on Frankland River fruit from the Lower Great Southern - is matured in 100% and predominately new French oak barrels for 18 months. The Scotsdale Shiraz – matured in 60% new and one year old French oak – is also making a strong impression.

Named after Jeff’s father, The Leston Shiraz is 100% Margaret River Shiraz matured in predominantly new (65%) and used French oak for approximately 18 months. The Leston Cabernet Sauvignon, from the same vineyard, shows early promise as an important Margaret River Cabernet.

Howard Park is making highly innovative and impressive wines – especially reds. Howard Park also owns the brand MadFish.

Website: www.howardparkwines.com.au