Houghton
Gladstones Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River, South West Australia, Western Australia, Australia
First found this wine probably 11 years ago at the Annual Cape Mentelle Cabernet tasting where Cape Mentelle pits their wine against leading Cabernets from around the world including Bordeaux, Napa, NZ, and other Australians. On this occasion the 2008 vintage. This Houghtons stood out on the day. Dense in colour Barb said pitch black. Dusty cassis notes - oak is there but it doesn’t dominate - balanced and delicious.
First found this wine probably 11 years ago at the Annual Cape Mentelle Cabernet tasting where Cape Mentelle pits their wine against leading Cabernets from around the world including Bordeaux, Napa, NZ, and other Australians. On this occasion the 2008 vintage. This Houghtons stood out on the day. Dense in colour Barb said pitch black. Dusty cassis notes - oak is there but it doesn’t dominate - balanced and delicious.
May 27th, 2023Very dense and dark. Mulberry and cassis on nose and palate - also plum and tobacco. Quite rich for a Margaret River Cabernet - more South Australian in nature, like McLaren Vale. Finishes with fine tannins. Have the next one in a year or two. An excellent Cabernet. The following night aromas of tomato bush. Had another bottle 105 weeks later on 18th February 2024 with consistent notes. Mulberry and cassis. Savoury aromas of tomato bush. An excellent Margaret River Cabernet - next in a year or two.
Very dense and dark. Mulberry and cassis on nose and palate - also plum and tobacco. Quite rich for a Margaret River Cabernet - more South Australian in nature, like McLaren Vale. Finishes with fine tannins. Have the next one in a year or two. An excellent Cabernet. The following night aromas of tomato bush. Had another bottle 105 weeks later on 18th February 2024 with consistent notes. Mulberry and cassis. Savoury aromas of tomato bush. An excellent Margaret River Cabernet - next in a year or two.
Feb 6th, 2022Dense Ruby in colour with a paler crimson rim. That traditional Margaret River herbaceousness. On the palate black currant with a savoury stalky note, fine persistent tannins and excellent length. Old school Cabernet structure - ageing on track. I would probably drink my remaining 4 bottles in the next 5 years.
Dense Ruby in colour with a paler crimson rim. That traditional Margaret River herbaceousness. On the palate black currant with a savoury stalky note, fine persistent tannins and excellent length. Old school Cabernet structure - ageing on track. I would probably drink my remaining 4 bottles in the next 5 years.
Aug 23rd, 2020Even though Houghtons are a very old Swan River based winery just outside Perth (established 1836)this is their very good Margaret River Cuvée called Gladstones. The nose is classic Margaret River Cabernet with Blackberry Mulberry, Bay Leaf, Tomato Bush, Geranium and Herbal. The palate is medium to full bodied with dark red and black fruits with herbal overtones finishing with surprisingly soft fine dry Tannins. The 2008 vintage of this wine was a Wow wine when first tasted at the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting some years ago and this 2010 continues the high standard of Gladstones. First of 6 - next in a year or 2.
Even though Houghtons are a very old Swan River based winery just outside Perth (established 1836)this is their very good Margaret River Cuvée called Gladstones. The nose is classic Margaret River Cabernet with Blackberry Mulberry, Bay Leaf, Tomato Bush, Geranium and Herbal. The palate is medium to full bodied with dark red and black fruits with herbal overtones finishing with surprisingly soft fine dry Tannins. The 2008 vintage of this wine was a Wow wine when first tasted at the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting some years ago and this 2010 continues the high standard of Gladstones. First of 6 - next in a year or 2.
Aug 19th, 2019Back at the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting for 2008 this was a Wow wine and new to me at the time. Colour is a dark rich crimson. Plummy minty aromas with black fruits. A lovely mature Margaret River Cabernet. Very fine tannins. Brings up the old question as to why do we cellar some wines. This to me was more wow in 2011 than it is now, but still good.
Back at the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting for 2008 this was a Wow wine and new to me at the time. Colour is a dark rich crimson. Plummy minty aromas with black fruits. A lovely mature Margaret River Cabernet. Very fine tannins. Brings up the old question as to why do we cellar some wines. This to me was more wow in 2011 than it is now, but still good.
Apr 7th, 20192008 vintage. Stood out at the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting back in 2011 of the 2008 vintage. Ripe berry fruits with modern oak treatment and that Margaret River herbal trademark. Good concentration and balance with a persistent finish. Impressive. First one since the tasting 5 years ago. Has a great future but in a very good place right now.
2008 vintage. Stood out at the Cape Mentelle International Cabernet Tasting back in 2011 of the 2008 vintage. Ripe berry fruits with modern oak treatment and that Margaret River herbal trademark. Good concentration and balance with a persistent finish. Impressive. First one since the tasting 5 years ago. Has a great future but in a very good place right now.
Jun 20th, 2016
Deep brick red color, blackberry, ripe green olive, oregano, palate shows dried meats, cedar, silky tannins.
Deep brick red color, blackberry, ripe green olive, oregano, palate shows dried meats, cedar, silky tannins.
Feb 1st, 2015
