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The 2016 Clos Fourtet is a blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc aged in 60% new oak. It has a generous, well defined licorice-tinged fruit that is very focused. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, blackberry and boysenberry fruit with that salted licorice theme continuing. This Clos Fourtet has impressive concentration, yet there is real elegance and persistence, fanning out wonderfully towards the finish. Mathieu Cuvelier has overseen another outstanding Clos Fourtet. Tasted twice, with a second bottle demonstrating a tad more backbone but equally admirable.

Composed of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, yields for the grand vin in 2017 were 43 hectoliters per hectare, and it was aged in 60% new oak. It came in at an alcohol of 13% and an IPT of 68. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cos d’Estournel needs a little coaxing to unfurl, revealing beautiful expressions of preserved plums, boysenberries, blackcurrant pastilles and wild blueberries with hints of Indian spices, menthol, lilacs and mossy tree bark plus a compelling suggestion of iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and well-knit freshness supporting the tightly wound blue and black fruits layers, finishing long and fragrant. This wine will need a good 5-7 years in bottle before it begins to blossom and should go on for at least another 40 years. I expect this wine to be a blockbuster of a head-turner when I come back and taste it at 10 years of age!

The Abercrombie is Howard Park Wines finest Cabernet Sauvignon. In most years the wine is a blend of grapes sourced from the Abercrombie vineyard in Mount Barker and the Leston vineyard in Margaret River. our long term commitment to and passion for grape growing in the two major premium grape growing regions of Western Australia is reflected in this wine.

Named after Jeff Burch’s Great-Grandfather Walter Abercrombie, this Howard Park flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is noted for its outstanding structural complexity and exceptional elegance. It combines the austere dusty earth and blackcurrant aromas from Mount Barker, with the classic rich fruit and chocolaty palette of Margaret River. Together they produce an elegantly balanced Cabernet Sauvignon with mature ripe tannins backed up by quality French oak. Careful long term cellaring will realize this wine’s full potential. The 2016 was matured for 22 months in French barriques (60% new).

A powerful wine variety that makes arguably the world’s greatest Red Wines. Characters include blackcurrant, mint, leaf, eucalyptus and black olive with other nuances of cigar box, cedar, chocolate, tobacco, coffee and mocha. Best in moderately cool areas and generally blended with other Bordeaux varieties (Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc). The flagship ‘Abercrombie’ Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned to be one of the best and most collected Cabernets in Australia.

James Halliday: 96Pts; Ralph Kyte-Powell: 96Pts; Huon Hooke: 95Pts; The Wine Front: 92Pts; Jeremy Oliver: 91Pts

Langton Classification: Outstanding (The best of Australian winemaking practices, vineyard provenance and regional voice)

A blend of 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Chateau Clos Fourtet comes all from the upper limestone plateau and spent 18 months in 60% new French oak. This deep ruby/purple-hued effort offers a rocking perfume of ripe black raspberries, cassis, crushed stone, chocolate, and flowery incense. Powerful, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it’s beautifully done, has ripe, present tannins, and a great finish. It ranks with the gems in this solid vintage and will benefit from just short-term cellaring and cruise for 20-25 years or more in cold cellars. 

Elegant, intense ruby colour. This Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the perfect combination of gourmet aromas and sweet spice notes, with a nose on cherries, cinnamon and cocoa. Its full bodied palate reveals a bouquet of red and black fruit. Well balanced with a nice acidity which underlines its fruity aromas, this wine offers a long finish. 10-year ageing potential.

Crafted from organically-grown grapes

Certified organic wine