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AUSTRALIA'S "TOP DROP" - on the summit of Mt. Kosciuszko 2228m
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RED WINE |
WHITE WINE |
SWEET WINE |
Each wine is made entirely from our own hand-picked grapes, grown on hand-pruned vines. Now that further plantings of different varieties have borne fruit, our range of wine has expanded from earlier vintages of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to encompass those listed below. We do hope that you are tempted to taste and enjoy them.
Our winemaker, Michelle Crockett works her magic by crafting wine that is appealing, elegant and unique to Howards Lane. Michelle’s philosophy is to retain the natural fruit character of the grape and to enhance the benefits of natural acidity found in our cool climate fruit. Huon Hooke has referred to Michelle’s red wines as being “an interesting interpretation of local style. All light bodied and lightly coloured, they are savoury wines made in an Italian inspired style using long skin contact. Somehow they avoid green tannins and possess a soft, low-tannin style”.
Of four wines submitted for inclusion in James Halliday’s 2007 Wine Companion, three were rated 4 out of 5 ‘glasses’ : the 2005 Chardonnays - wooded and unwooded – and the 2005 Light Red. The then-young 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon was rated 3.5. In the 2008 Companion our 2006 Sauvignon Blanc was rated a fine 4.5 and the 2005 Merlot 4 out of 5.
Zimba White Port 2006 - Now out of stock
The initial crop of chardonnay from McCourt vineyard was late-harvested in 2006, allowing incipient botrytis on the fruit to develop and thus impart exquisite Muscat flavour and high sugars to the concentrated juice. ‘Zimba’ translates to ‘Lion’ in Africa, a reference to our logo. The port was elegantly presented in slender 375ml bottles, labelled in black and gold: a fine gift. This was the first white port to be made in the Southern Highlands. We look forward to another vintage when conditions are ripe.
Sauvignon Blanc / Chardonnay 2008
With good stocks of both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in our cellar, Michelle worked her magic on this new blend. It is a most delicious, fruit-full combination with the flavour of each grape complementing the other.
Sauvignon Blanc 2006 4.5 / 5 Halliday rating
Having planted the vines on arrival at Howards Lane, it has been a four year wait for our first Sauvignon Blanc to arrive at the Cellar door. The wine has a delicious blend of gooseberry, lychee and tropical characters and lends a delightful new dimension to our range of white wines.
Chardonnay 2006
The wine was lightly wooded in French oak which, together with malo-lactic fermentation, lends softness to this traditionally made Chardonnay. Stone fruit flavours of quince and nectarine, together with a touch of honey from a little residual natural grape sugar, make for a fine light wine.
Light Red 2008
A ruby blend of shiraz, merlot and cabernet. Bursting with flavours of crushed red berries, this is a fruity, dry Rosé for all seasons. Enjoy lightly chilled for lazy summer drinking or snuggle up with it at room temperature in winter.
Shiraz / Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Our brand new blend of spicy shiraz and rich cabernet sauvignon is a marvelous combination. This is a delicious, deep plum-red wine with lingering, velvet-soft tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
This aged Cabernet Sauvignon is purple-hued, cherry red in colour. Light bodied with rich blackberry and blackcurrant flavours and a taste of capsicum. A touch of vanilla from the wood. With lingering velvet-soft tannins, this wine has mellowed superbly with age.
