By Fergal Gleeson

Howard Park Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Was there a hole in my glass? I had just a few sips and it was empty again. Thorough inspection of the stemware revealed no leak? Ah ‘twas the Howard Park Sauvignon Blanc that dunnit your Honour!

Long time Howard Park Wines winemaker Janice McDonald has a distinguished track record from Devils Lair Wines , as a co-founder of Stella Bella Wines and a brewer with Matilda Bay Brewery before joining Howard Park 9 years ago. Her craft can be seen here.

Backstory: The grapes are sourced from the cooler, southern part of Margaret River. Some subtle and sophisticated winemaking followed involving wild fermentation of selected batches in old oak.

The outcome is a thoroughly superior Sauvignon Blanc with vivid citrus and lime flavours. There’s texture and complexity too to satisfy any wine aficionado but also simple pleasure for all. There’s Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc! Great value.

RRP $31. Rating 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.

 

Howard Park Porongurup Riesling 2019

Riesling was Howard Park Wines first white wine. A humble origin story, that began in a tin shed in Great Southern along with a Cabernet Sauvignon over 30 years ago. Riesling is the polar opposite to full bodied, oaked Chardonnay. It is diffident and subtle in its youth. Janice favours balanced Rieslings over rampant acid driven wines.

The Porongurup 2019 has heady aromas of talc and sherbet. Dry and chalky, with citrus  and the subtlest hint of fruit sweetness on the finish. From the evocatively named Gibraltar Rock Vineyard.

RRP $35. Rating 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.

Howard Park Mount Barker Riesling 2019

The Mount Barker 2019 is drier with citrusy intensity, bone and calcium. From elevated Mount Barrow where yields are low and flavours pure. Both have the ability to age for 15 or so years.

RRP $34. Rating 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Howard Park Allingham Chardonnay 2018

Howard Park Allingham Chardonnay 2018 is the jewel in the crown of the Burch family’s Margaret River white wine portfolio.

This single vineyard wine, from the cool Karridale subregion, has a cornucopia of flavours including citrus, nuts, toast and sherbet. High flyers will be aware that it’s served on Emirates First Class (back when people flew to far flung places).

Having recently tasted the 2011 Allingham Chardonnay, now at its peak and still available from the winery, I can confirm that Allingham benefits from some time in the cellar to allow all it’s elements to come together. A treat!

RRP $89. Rating 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

More at http://www.howardparkwines.com.au