1998 Howard Park Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Howard Park was, and we say ‘was’, one of Australia's wine icons. The wine was developed by Master winemaker John Wade, who has since departed Howard Park. Wade is widely regarded as Australia's top Cabernet winemaker, having been responsible for producing the first John Riddoch wines from Wynns Coonawarra Estate in the 1980's.The 1998 is made from a blend of 75% Cabernet, 13% Cabernet Franc and 12% Merlot. Very deep crimson, brick red colour. Refined nose of cedar, blackcurrant and a hint of violets. The palate displays flavours of mulberry and blackcurrant over a spicy background. The wine has good length but without complexity. Fine grained tannin, followed by lingering blackcurrant and spice aftertaste. Cellar 3-4 years.

RATING: 86/100

VALUE: XXX/5