Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Howard Park’s Abercrombie is a one of a kind and is a highly individual expression of Western Australian Cabernet. It started out life in Mouth Barker before becoming a blend with fruit from Margaret River, which is now up to 78%. But Mount Barker still remains vital and the not-so-secret ingredient which helps this to be among the state’s top wines, with the 2018 vintage going down as one of the best in recent memory.

It’s deeply coloured, almost opaque. and bright to look at. The aromas are of pure cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon with Wilyabrup providing the power and Mount Barker the detail. Deep set ripe cassis and mulberry fruit with distinctive leafy and cedar are backed up to the hilt by high quality new French oak – it’s a little strong right now but that will come back in time. The palate is then dry and intense with precision and balance in spades. It’s wound up nice and tight with youthful vitality and energy plus bright acidity and al dente tannins that drive a long and composed finished. It’s a classic Cabernet Sauvignon, built for the long haul.