West Cape Howe Two Steps Shiraz Viognier 2009
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Renowned winemaker, Gavin Berry, heads the West Cape Howe team. Highly regarded internationally for making world class wines, he joined the team in mid 2004, following a successful 16 year career as CEO for Plantagenet Wines. Gavin’s hands on approach in winemaking and marketing makes him an integral part of the Company’s ongoing success.
Senior winemaker, Dave Cleary, has already completed six vintages at West Cape Howe. He has grown with the brand since its inception, has overseen the development of the range and has been instrumental in creating West Cape Howe’s unique and successful wine styles.
The Company’s Landsdale Vineyards, based in the Mt Barker sub-region, form the major fruit source for West Cape Howe. Planted in 1989, the vineyards are now some of the oldest in the area. The properties have approximately 80 hectares currently under vine.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Home to some of Australia’s most elegant and long-lived red and white wines, Margaret River is situated in the farthest reaches of Western Australia. Relatively warm and dry, the region is cooled by breezes from the Indian Ocean. Margaret River takes some inspiration from Bordeaux, producing top-quality Cabernet Sauvignons and Bordeaux Blends with firm structure, mouthwatering acidity, balanced alcohol and notes of herbs and spice. For white wines, refreshing blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon as well as complex, age-worthy Chardonnays are regional specialties.