2024 Howard Park
Leston Cabernet Sauvignon

Distinguished Sites
Cabernet Sauvignon from our Leston vineyard, located in the heart of Margaret
River, is crafted to highlight the distinctive varietal and regional qualities of our
best sites. In the temperate climate of Margaret River, Cabernet Sauvignon is at
home. Here the maritime influences temper the extremes of seasons, and allow
Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive.
TASTING NOTES
A poised and expressive Cabernet, the 2024 Leston opens with layered aromatics
of blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry entwined with eucalyptus, tobacco
leaf and black olive. Subtle nuances of dusty cocoa, graphite and freshly ground
coffee add depth and intrigue, lending a distinctly Margaret River sensibility. The
palate is finely detailed and assured, echoing the fruit profile of the nose with
cassis, plum and a hint of pomegranate, seamlessly interwoven with savoury herbs
and black liquorice. A vibrant, cranberry-edged acidity brings lift and definition
through the mid-palate, while supple, finely shaped tannins provide structure and
flow. There is an effortless harmony between fruit richness, savoury complexity
and freshness, giving the wine immediate appeal, yet ample substance and
balance to ensure graceful development over time.
VINTAGE
The 2024 vintage was early, compressed and fast-paced. The cool, wet 2023
winter weather disappeared quickly and was replaced by a dry, warm spring.
Above-average temperatures and almost no rainfall led to early budburst and
perfect growing conditions for vines. Canopy growth was good, flowering
occurred early and went through quickly, leading to early veraison in all varieties. In
late December, colour could be seen in Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, pointing
to a very early vintage, and January saw a continuation of the dry conditions.
2024 was also a vintage with abundant marri blossom, known as a “mast year”,
and there was little to no grape loss due to the native silvereye birds. This usually
occurs every four years or so, as it takes the trees time to muster sufficient
resources to produce a massive flowering.
Harvest began in mid-January, four weeks earlier than usual. Fruit continued
to ripen rapidly and early attention to detail in the vineyard paid dividends.
Picking dates needed careful consideration to ensure physiological maturity with
vibrancy of fruit expression, and the narrow windows of opportunity to harvest
required skilful scheduling of vineyard and winery teams.
All varieties reached full maturity earlier than we are used to, and lower yields in
some varieties and vineyards led to a concentration of aromas and flavours. This
bodes well for some superb quality wines from 2024 in both Margaret River and
Great Southern.
VINEYARDS
Vineyard: Leston Blocks 29 & 30.
Location: Wilyaburp, Margaret River
Soils: lateritic gravels over clay loam.
Aspect: North
Clone: Houghton, planted 2008
WINEMAKING
Small parcels were hand-picked and hand sorted to remove any unwanted
material before fermentation. Fermentation occurred in closed stainless steel
fermenters and small open top fermenters. Selected parcels remained on skins
after fermentation to further enhance the tannin profile while others were pressed
at dryness to capture fruit vibrancy. Each batch was matured separately in order
to build a wine history over time. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation
and was matured in French oak (~ 25% new) for 18 months prior to blending,
fining and bottling.

$59.99,

Bethany Wines Of Barossa Reserve LE Shiraz 2020 x 6

Gibson Reserve Shiraz 2023 x 6

Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 x 6

Le Fraghe Traccia Di Bianco 2021 x 12

Le Fraghe Traccia Di Rosa Chiaretto Di Bardolino Rosato DOC 2021 x 6

Tiefenbrunner Turmhof Pinot Noir 2022 x 6