Howard Park / Marchand and Burch Old Wine Weekend 2025

[Waiters Friend]

G’day

This is an annual (members only) event for Burch Family Wines, and an opportunity to try some of their wines with (in some cases considerable) age. The line-up consisted of Howard Park and Marchand & Burch wines from 2018 back to 1997. There were 18 wines on tasting in total. I didn’t try them all, and the notes below are only for the ones that impressed me most:

Howard Park Porongorup Riesling 2015: This is looking really good at the moment – the colour is still only moderately darker than on release. There’s some kero initially on the nose, with lovely lime cordial at just the right intensity (i.e. not too thick a texture), some orange peel and even a little minerality. I have most vintages of this wine in the cellar – except this one – well, I do now.

Marchand & Burch Chardonnay 2009: A real surprise for a 16 year old Australian chardonnay. Only just golden in colour, this has a full and rich nose with developed and ripe peaches, nectarines and savoury characters. The palate is round and satisfyingly full, with more peach fruit, savoury oak notes, and the right amount of supporting acid. Obviously not likely to improve, but a very interesting drink right now.

Marchand & Burch Nuits St George 2009: At 16 years of age, this is looking pretty good. It has cherry and plum fruit (although developed), fine but grippy tannins, and enough acid to keep it somewhat fresh. There’s also some forest floor / mushroom, and it is the more savoury elements of this wine that make it more complete.

Howard Park Cabernet Merlot 2004: This was the precursor to the Abercrombie (from 2005). In pretty good condition for 21 years of age, with cocoa powder, stewed blackberry and plums, a little eucalypt and capsicum, and savoury oak notes on the nose. The palate is a little more complex, with some earthiness and mocha notes adding to the mix.

Howard Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2000: This is a wine I have tried (and purchased) previously, and this was possibly my wine of the tasting. In amazing condition at 25 years of age, with varietally correct dark fruits, cocoa powder, eucalypt, and graphite. The palate is richly flavoured without being heavy, and tannins are still drying, with acid all in balance. A very good wine indeed.

All of these wines were purchased by me on the day, if that is any indication.

Cheers
Allan