Leston was Howard Park’s first site, acquired by the Burch family in 1988 and named after Jeff Burch’s father. So, it stands to reason that the team know the Cabernet from this site well. Here the maritime influences temper the extremes of seasons, and allow the variety to thrive. Year upon year, the Leston is mouth-filling and complex, and as Hooke describes it, “statuesque”. Small parcels are hand-picked from blocks 29 and 30, then sorted. Fermentation occurs in closed stainless steel and small open-top fermenters, with a small portion left for an extended time on skins after fermentation to further enhance the tannin profile. The wine is matured in separate batches in French oak (around 25% new) for approximately 18 months prior to blending, fining and bottling.
2024
“There is power here, and you’d expect that from Margaret River Cabernet, but there’s also elegance and stylishness. Plenty of concentrated blackberry and plummy fruit notes, with a touch of spice and vanilla. The palate is neatly woven together with an intricate weave of fine oak, tannin, and that most appealing fruit. An excellent wine.” 95 points, Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
93 points, Halliday Wine Companion
2023
“Overall, there’s seems to be more restraint with the reds from ’23, a lovely cooler vintage, although this still gets 25% new oak and was aged 18 months. Yet the fruit has taken it all in. Plenty of varietal charm, the fine, powdery tannins and tangy acidity adding to the succulence across the fuller-bodied palate before a fresh, dry finish.”95 points, Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion
94 points, tysonstelzer.com
Gold, Melbourne Royal Wine Awards 2025
96 Points, Andrew Calliard, Wine Pilot
17+, Richard Hemming, Jancisrobinson.com
2022
“The nose is perfumed, giving brooding notes of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, damson plums and graphite. The full-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins, showing bright mulberries, mocha and cedar. Extremely precise and fruit-driven with a savory undertone. Very good.” 94 Points, James Suckling
94 points, Ray Jordan
Gold, James Halliday Cabernet Challenge 2024
93 points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
2021
“From a cool and somewhat tricky Cabernet vintage in Margaret River. Sandalwood and blackcurrant aromas lift from the glass, before a filling out of cedar, ripe plum and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with good intensity and drive. Blackcurrant, blackberry, graphite precedes some oak chew before firm graphite-laced tannins frame it all to a finish freshened by black fruited acidity. There’s some serious structure here with nice complexity. A food wine for sure, and time in cellar will do well for this.” 93 Points, Tom Kline, Winepilot
93 points, Ray Jordan
91 points, Erin Larkin, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
