Howard Park ASW Cabernet Shiraz 2023
- 94
- $75
- Drink by: 2025-2040
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A Margaret River version of the famous Aussie red blend, finally, Amy Burch has her side of the family recognised for their great contribution to Howard Park. ASW represents Alex Stephen Wee, Amy’s father (also her mother, Annie Sheila Wee). The superb 2023 vintage is an ideal one to pay tribute to their efforts. The fruit has been sourced from vineyards across the Margaret River region. Cabernet takes the lead role with 61%, although the usual and intended split is normally closer to 50/50. The two varieties are discretely matured in French oak for a year and a half before blending and spending a further two months in American oak. Cabernet is to the fore with support from local Shiraz. Blood red/maroon, the nose reveals wonderfully alluring fragrances with some spicy notes, red fruits, dry herbs, coffee grinds, cherries, smoked meats and bay leaves. Hints of chocolate emerge on the palate. There are soft, slightly chalky tannins on the finish and the wine has good length. It will drink beautifully for the next ten to fifteen years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
