The Wine Animal Verdict: This Cabernet Sauvignon is a creature of youthful energy and promising structure, reflecting the esteemed terroir of Western Australia in a vintage marked by favourable conditions. It's not yet fully mature, like a young stallion with evident power waiting to be harnessed. Expect a wine with vibrant dark fruit, emerging complexity, and a firm backbone suggesting a bright future.
What's in the Cage: The 2020 vintage in Western Australia is widely regarded as excellent for Cabernet Sauvignon, similar to the lauded 2018. Howard Park, known for their quality across Margaret River and the Great Southern, likely sourced fruit from one or both of these regions for this bottling. Expect meticulous winemaking, focusing on preserving the freshness and structure of the vintage, with maturation in high-quality French oak to support the developing flavours and tannins.
Tasting Notes:
On the prowl, the nose is bright and expressive:
-
Vibrant Dark Fruit: Expect aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and a touch of ripe plum, showing youthful intensity.
-
Emerging Herbal Notes: Hints of bay leaf or a subtle leafy character may be present, adding a layer of complexity.
-
Subtle Oak Influence: Notes of vanilla or cedar from oak aging will be present but should be well-integrated, supporting the fruit.
-
Floral Hints: A delicate suggestion of violet can add to the aromatic appeal.
The palate is where this young stallion shows its potential:
-
Medium to Full-Bodied: Possessing a good weight with a noticeable but well-integrated structure.
-
Firm Tannins: Youthful tannins will provide a firm grip, indicating good aging potential.
-
Focused Flavors: The vibrant dark fruit notes are prominent, with emerging complexity from the herbal and oak elements.
-
Refreshing Acidity: A balanced acidity provides length and a lively finish.
-
Lingering Finish: The finish is persistent, with the fruit and tannins leaving a structured impression.
Who's it For: This Cabernet Sauvignon is for the wine lover who appreciates a well-structured and promising young Cabernet. It appeals to those who enjoy vibrant fruit and are willing to cellar the wine for further development or pair it with hearty cuisine.
Pairing Power: This youthful Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with:
- Grilled or roasted red meats, such as lamb or beef.
- Hearty stews and casseroles.
- Dishes with robust flavors and some richness.
The Bottom Line: The Howard Park 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a vibrant and well-structured expression of Western Australian Cabernet Sauvignon from an excellent vintage. It offers a core of bright dark fruit, emerging complexity, and firm tannins that suggest a promising future in the cellar. It's a youthful creature with evident potential, ready to evolve into a more complex and elegant wine over time.
