Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Margaret River.  Leston blocks 29 (planted 2007) and block 30 (planted 2000). Handpicked, matured in French oak (25% new) for 18 months. Oak more obvious. Cedar and red berries. Supple spice and this needs more time to open up. Juicy and slightly juby. Bit of nutmeg and baking spice, cumin and curry leaf. Red plum skin and salt crust. Choc mint slice – minty fringes. Rather warmer in fruit and tone, even considering the year. More gravelly tannin structure – looser knit and a bit more rustic. Red berried and dried thyme and rosemary. Red dirt, dusty boots. Plums skin spice and a bit crunchy spice too – cranberry and festive, Xmas spice. Warming, hot choc with nutmeg, savoury finish of dried herbs. Bit less nuanced than GS, but still lovely and has a long life ahead. Tannins rumbling as they build. Drink now to 12 years. A food wine – let it sing with charry meat and a tumble of dried herbs and smokiness.