TN: Howard Park Leston Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

[Waiters Friend]

Howard Park makes a few different Cabernets most years, including this from Margaret River. I've been buying the Leston from time to time, but not religiously. Perhaps it's because I generally get to taste them on release, but I am discovering that they need at least a few years to show at their best.

The 2014 was an excellent partner to slow-roasted lamb. Deep purple in the glass, with lots of blackcurrant, blackberry and mulberry fruit. There's also savoury notes like cedar and tobacco, along with mocha. The palate carries the fruit (which is starting to become slightly developed) into conserve territory - there's a richness on the tongue that reminds me of fruity chocolate, and the tannins add to the perceived weight of the wine. Good supporting acid (without dominating) and the wine finishes quite full and long.

No rush to drink these, but they're looking pretty good right now. Perhaps they need a couple of years at least post-release to come into balance. Worth the wait, however.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Thanks for the note. I have not seen the Leston over here in quite some time, and even then it was the Leston Shiraz from the 2003 vintage (I would have preferred to have had the cabernet). The shiraz had entered an awkard phase but as of last year seems to be coming around.

Apparently the Miamup Cabernet is in the market somewhere but I haven't come across it as yet.

Mahmoud,

[WAwineguy]

My recollection is that I've usually enjoyed the Scotsdale better than the Leston, although they're the same price and probably not much different. Of course the Abercrombie is superior, but needs a lot more time.