Great Margaret River Cabernet Shiraz is not a thing. You can blame the Shiraz component, which so often struggles with exact ripeness, but also the relative strength of Merlot and Malbec. This Howard Park A.S.W Cabernet Shiraz 2020 is something of an exception as it is pretty smart stuff.

But could it be even better if Shiraz was subbed out for Merlot/Malbec?

Named after Amy Burch’s parents (who share the same initials), The A.S.W is a pretty svelte red built for the long term – quite medium-bodied, shaped by oak and tannins, the fruit on the ripe end for Margs, but it’s not heavy. In fact, it feels a bit lean and tight through the finish. It feels fresh too. There’s a sense of unrealised potential, but also that it might lack just a little bit of mid-palate generosity that oh, some Malbec, might be able to deliver.

Regardless, I like it and want to see it again in 2-3 years time. 

Best drinking: see above. It’s not going to fall over. 18/20, 93/100. 14.5%, $75. Howard Park website. Would I buy it? Worth a few glasses.