Houghton C.W.Ferguson Cabernet Malbec 2017 [JH 96]

Houghton was established in 1836, just four years after the fledgling colony of Western Australia was founded. It is one of Australia's oldest operating wineries. Houghton is now the tenth-largest red and white bottle brand in Australia, and sources fruit from every major premium grape-growing region in WA, including Gingin, Margaret River, Frankland River and Mount Barker in the Great Southern, and the emerging Pemberton region.

A wine of elegance and fruit power, C.W. Ferguson honours the contribution of early Houghton winemaker Charles William Ferguson. During his time at Houghton, Charles established a solid reputation for Houghton Wines. It was Charles who employed George Mann, father of legendary Houghton Winemaker Jack Mann.

 Mike Bennie writes: From the plainly named Justin vineyard. A mellow, medium- to fuller-weight expression rippling with choc-raspberry, forest berry coulis, clove, dark chocolate, mint and eucalyptus. All nicely played, balanced and even. A potent flow on the palate, so inky and rich, and a chewy corset of silty, crushed rock tannins. It's a bold strike of cab malbec but finds judicious balance and a sense of vibrancy. It speaks fluently of quality fruit and the finesse of winemaking. Date: Feb 2023; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $78.00; Drink by: 2040; Rating: 98 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday Wine Companion.