TN: Howard Park Leston Shiraz 2004 (Margaret River)

[Waiters Friend]

G’day

Last month, I opened a magnum of this for a dinner party. This was the note at the time:

Ruby colour with no signs of bricking. The nose is still a little closed and shows cloves, stewed red and black plums, and a touch of vanilla. No leather or other obvious signs of ageing.

The palate is more expressive, with vibrant red berries, more baking spices, darker plums and more fruit than savoury character. Tannins are fully integrated and providing gentle mouthfeel rather than grip, and the acid is soft and adds to this mouthfeel. Medium to long finish, and overall the wine is satisfyingly medium bodied and very well balanced.

I thought it would be interesting to compare the magnum to a single bottle, so, here is the note for today’s single bottle. Decanted a similar length of time to the magnum. This bottle was under screwcap, while the magnum was under cork. Both bottles were procured direct from Howard Park and have been in the same cellar ever since.

Surprisingly, the tasting note is virtually identical. If anything, the wine is very slightly more youthful (for a 21 year old wine) and freshly fruited. Vanilla is highlighted a little more too. I was expecting the magnum to be the pick of the two, but I think I prefer the 750ml bottle. Is the closure causing the difference? I suspect so. Delicious!

Cheers
Allan