Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 x 6

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.