2024 Howard Park Leston Cabernet Sauvignon Distinguished Sites Cabernet Sauvignon from our Leston vineyard, located in the heart of Margaret  River, is crafted to highlight the distinctive varietal and regional qualities of our  best sites. In the temperate climate of Margaret River, Cabernet Sauvignon is at  home. Here the maritime influences temper the extremes of seasons, and allow  Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive. TASTING NOTES A poised and expressive Cabernet, the 2024 Leston opens with layered aromatics  of blackcurrant, mulberry and dark cherry entwined with eucalyptus, tobacco  leaf and black olive. Subtle nuances of dusty cocoa, graphite and freshly ground  coffee add depth and intrigue, lending a distinctly Margaret River sensibility. The  palate is finely detailed and assured, echoing the fruit profile of the nose with  cassis, plum and a hint of pomegranate, seamlessly interwoven with savoury herbs  and black liquorice. A vibrant, cranberry-edged acidity brings lift and definition  through the mid-palate, while supple, finely shaped tannins provide structure and  flow. There is an effortless harmony between fruit richness, savoury complexity  and freshness, giving the wine immediate appeal, yet ample substance and  balance to ensure graceful development over time. VINTAGE The 2024 vintage was early, compressed and fast-paced. The cool, wet 2023  winter weather disappeared quickly and was replaced by a dry, warm spring.  Above-average temperatures and almost no rainfall led to early budburst and  perfect growing conditions for vines. Canopy growth was good, flowering  occurred early and went through quickly, leading to early veraison in all varieties. In  late December, colour could be seen in Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, pointing  to a very early vintage, and January saw a continuation of the dry conditions. 2024 was also a vintage with abundant marri blossom, known as a “mast year”,  and there was little to no grape loss due to the native silvereye birds. This usually  occurs every four years or so, as it takes the trees time to muster sufficient  resources to produce a massive flowering. Harvest began in mid-January, four weeks earlier than usual. Fruit continued  to ripen rapidly and early attention to detail in the vineyard paid dividends.  Picking dates needed careful consideration to ensure physiological maturity with  vibrancy of fruit expression, and the narrow windows of opportunity to harvest  required skilful scheduling of vineyard and winery teams. All varieties reached full maturity earlier than we are used to, and lower yields in  some varieties and vineyards led to a concentration of aromas and flavours. This  bodes well for some superb quality wines from 2024 in both Margaret River and  Great Southern. VINEYARDS Vineyard: Leston Blocks 29 & 30.  Location: Wilyaburp, Margaret River  Soils: lateritic gravels over clay loam.  Aspect: North  Clone: Houghton, planted 2008 WINEMAKING Small parcels were hand-picked and hand sorted to remove any unwanted  material before fermentation. Fermentation occurred in closed stainless steel  fermenters and small open top fermenters. Selected parcels remained on skins  after fermentation to further enhance the tannin profile while others were pressed  at dryness to capture fruit vibrancy. Each batch was matured separately in order  to build a wine history over time. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation  and was matured in French oak (~ 25% new) for 18 months prior to blending,  fining and bottling.