1996 Howard Park Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (1500ml)

Notes sourced from Howard Park..

The 1996 vintage was relatively cool when compared to the prevoius two vintages and has resulted in a firmer style of wine. Made from a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 15% Shiraz, the wine was matured in new French oak for 24 months. Maturation in French oak for this period of time requires very strong intense fruit so that the oak does not over power the wine. Therefore the fruit selection must be very stringent.The aromas on the nose are ripe and fruit driven - blackcurrant, blackberry are dominant with hints of brambles and cedary oak. The palate is firm and quite tight. As the wine breathes blackcurrant and blackberry flavours begin to emerge which are well integrated with the vanillin oak and soft tannin structure. Excellent length and depth of flavour. Cellar 10 years. 14% Alcohol Volume.