Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

There’s an elegance to the fruit here, framed by a strong architectural structure. A sweet plume of mulberry opens the aromatics, quickly joined by bay leaf, plum, crushed violet, forest cake, and a building layer of graphite. A good swirl releases gravel and petrichor notes that add complexity and intrigue, while dusty cedar simmers beneath throughout. As these elements coalesce, the wine’s class becomes clear. The palate delivers power, quickly restrained by firm tannin structure – mulberry, blackcurrant, and plum coil within stacked, grainy, mocha-laced tannins, leading to a long finish. It’s currently febrile and nervy, clearly a wine built for long-term cellaring. But the bones are brilliant.