Peter HowlandI had lunch at my local Italian with the affable Peter Howland the other day and had a preview of his 2005 release reds. There are three single vineyard Shiraz (what’s the plural eh Grant?) from WA in the portfolio and this wine from the Donnybrook sub-region of Geographe, although the least of them, is still a remarkable wine nonetheless. Perhaps if I had tasted it in isolation then it may have scored a little higher? I suspect I was blinded by the stars shining on either side (Parsons and Pine Lodge) of which more later…

It’s pretty to smell with ripe black cherry, plum, spice, menthol and a rosy vanilla fragrance wafting above. On the palate medium bodied and smooth with plenty of ripe tannin and balanced fresh acidity. It has highly attractive flavours of plum and dark cherry, pepper and tasteful vanilla cream oak - good fruit weight, although not especially deep, and a finish of good length. Very smart wine and beautifully made.

Rated : 93 Points
Tasted : Jun08
Alcohol : 14.5%
Price : $30
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2008 - 2015+
Source : Winery Sample
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