The 2019 release sees a Chardonnay dominant blend (74%) and only 26% Pinot Noir. The fruit coming off the Mount Barrow vineyard in the Mount Barker sub-region of Great Southern Western Australia. Tiraged in July 2019 and disgorged after a minimum 52 months on lees. Extra-Brut in style with 3.6 grams residual sugars per litre. Nic Bowen is chief winemaker.

Howard Park, Jeté, Grand Vintage, Mount Barker, 2019

Soft golden hue with a myriad of fast, tight excited beading. Power and depth on the nose with sea spray and brioche yeasty depth. Nougat, baked ham fat, toffee apple, fennel, grapefruit pith, lime pie and flinty match-strike. More serious undertones evolve with a nori butter creamy/umami blend. Intense and muscular, with persistence and strength through the mid palate before narrowing to a tightly wound and intense finish. There’s a line of searing acidity that serves as dead straight spine and lasts long. Excellent value.

RRP: $58
Alc: 12.5%
Rating: 95/100

Wine sample courtesy of Howard Park and Blend PR