Howard Park Leston Margaret River Shiraz 2010 ($46) – A very fresh shiraz from the Margaret River, a single vineyard from the Burch family. The deep ruby colour is interlaced with purple highlights. It is the ripe raspberry and plum, mint and cinnamon spice that sets the standard from the first sniff.  The first sip is of elegantly bodied fruit with a peppery finish. The tannins are squeaky but fine and coat the mouth to give definition and detail to the wine.  Drink – 5-6 years.

Howard Park Scotsdale Shiraz 2010 ($46) – Another single vineyard wine from the Burch family.  This time from the region  of Great Southern in South West Australia.  This is a wine that needs some food to calm the grippy stalky tannin. Clove spice enriches the berry conserve and toast.  The finish is peppery and long.Drink – 5-6 years.

Howard Park Abercombie Cabernet Sauvignon 2010  ($110)  – The Abercombie is a Cabernet that deserves your attention with its rich currant, exotic spice and cedar.  Very Western Australian – Margaret river with a bit more musculature. In the mouth, it leaves an impression of finesse. It is juicy and supple yet still elegant cellaring style taking advantage of the cooler climate of Great Southern. The powdery tannins shape your mouth and the flavours are long and layered with complexity.  The potential of this region is really only now being recognised by those outside the West. Drink – 7+ years.