West Cape Howe Wines Red Wines 2010

We could tell you about the skill and artistry that goes into the winemaking at West cape Howe, how the soil imparts, great flavour or how the climate helps ripen berries to their full potential. But we know you just want to ask, “should I buy this wine?” The answer is a resounding yes, because like so many Cabernet Merlot blends from W.A. it’s laden with flavour and just a joy to drink. You’ll find licorice, vibrant berries and a little oak with a soft, long-lasting finish. It’s a wine that keeps on giving in the flavour department.

Only West Cape Howe have the know Howe to create wines of real distinction from the Great Southern region in W.A. One of the most southerly points, it’s located 250 metres above the Southern Ocean meaning cool breezes caress the grapes to ripeness. The cool climate is expressed by lifted aromatics of ripe raspberry and pepper all of which appear on the palate before a long finish of dusty tannins. A perfect drink to enjoy with a selection of matured cheeses.

Howe do they do it? We often ask ourselves when we come across the West Cape Howe range; exciting wines at a price to please. Here’s a red with a Spanish accent from the Great Southern, and it exhibits a good dose of Latin expression making it a good match for a meat based Paella. It’s seductively spicy on the nose with smoky red fruits and savoury hints. The fruit dances a tango on the palate before delivering a burst of grainy tannins and balanced acids on the long finish

In the Great Southern they say that life is a Cabernet. Well, actually they don’t but it sounds romantic. The noble thick-skinned grape gets to ripen evenly in the cooler climate of this part of W.A. allowing Cabernet characters to properly express themselves.

You take Two Steps to drink this wine, unscrew the top, then drink. It’s as simple as that. But there’s nothing simple about this very serious blend of Shiraz and Viognier. The co-fermentation of the two varieties means you not only enjoy Viognier’s seductive aromas but it softens the tannins so all you receive is liquid gloss in the glass. Subtle oak and white pepper aromas lead to an opulent, soft palate that is luscious and long with exotic hints of pepper and turmeric.

Deep colour; essency blackcurrant pastille bouquet, very concentrated; the palate follows suit, with depth and generosity; sweet-fruited, with fine-grained tannins on the finish.

Deep purple/red colour. Black fruit and savoury 'bacon fat' (possibly oak) aromas; a hint of iodine. Sweet, lush fruit floods the mouth and the tannins are soft and sweet, leaving a clean, lingering aftertaste. Excellent wine, just needs time and will cellar superbly. Delicious.

2010 was an exciting season for West Cape Howe, producing a lively and attractively poised cabernet, capturing lifted violet perfume fragrance and crunchy black- and redcurrant fruit, with notes of tobacco and cigar box. The finish is defined by impressively vibrant acidity and lingering crunchy black- and redcurrant fruit. Tannins are finely structured and enveloped neatly into its fruit, which lingers long and linear on the finish.