HOWARD PARK IN FOCUS Jeff and Amy Burch are important figures in the Western Australian wine industry and have played a massive part in the evolution and fortunes of Great Southern and Margaret River. Originally established by ex-Wynn’s Coonawarra Estate winemaker John Wade, the early Howard Park brand became a visionary force in the emerging Great Southern. But its fortunes accelerated when Jeff and Amy Burch joined the venture as partners. While Howard Park was first recognised for its landmark Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling releases during the 1990s, its ‘relocation’ to Margaret River was a masterstroke in brand building. Previously, in 1988, the Burch family had acquired land in the Margaret River with the intent of growing chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. The vineyard was managed by Jeff’s (now retired) brother David, a former principal of the Australian Ballet. By 1998, the Howard Park venture was merged into one, with Jeff and Amy Burch becoming sole owners. A new winery was established in the beautiful Wilyabrup surrounds, and the vineyard was renamed Leston, after Jeff’s father. Howard Park possesses four key vineyards: Leston and Allingham in Margaret River, and Mount Barrow and Abercrombie in the Great Southern. In addition, fruit is sourced from its Pemberton owned vineyard for its sparkling ( méthode traditionnelle ) wine brand Jeté. Meanwhile, Howard Park has been an emblematic Western Australian wine brand for almost 40 years. In 1997, it was included in Langton’s inaugural Great Wine Estates of Western Australia Auction. Subsequently, it has enjoyed a strong presence in the collectable market, especially for its top wines. Moving timelines forward, the highly regarded Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon is nowadays a 100% Margaret River wine. Although it was first based on the Abercrombie Vineyard in the Great Southern, the Leston Vineyard, with its ‘old vine- Houghton Clone’ plantings, it’s nowadays the mother vineyard, with the best blocks contributing to this ‘grand cru’ release. Also, Allingham Margaret River Chardonnay, based on plantings at Karridale, is enjoying wide praise for its classicism and bottle aging capacity.
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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus
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