National esteem in the south of WA

This is an exclusive association of iconic, family-owned and operated wineries that are ambassadors in the pursuit of excellence in Australian wine.

Included in this group are famous names such as Henschke, Tyrrells, Yalumba, Brown Brothers, Jim Barry and Tahbilk.

From humble beginnings in 1986, Jeff and Amy Burch have nurtured and refined the growth of Howard Park into a first-class wine producer with premium vine holdings in Wilyabrup, Karridale, Margaret River, Mount Barker and the Porongurups.

Daughter, Natalie, and son, David are heavily involved and will take Howard Park onwards and upwards into the 21st century. Chief winemaker Nic Bowen joined in 2021.

Son of winemaking pioneer Rob Bowen, Nic’s perfectionism and attention to detail has raised the bar in quality across the entire range of wines from Mad Fish right up to the flagships, Abercrombie Cabernet, Allingham Chardonnay and A.S.W Cabernet Shiraz.

The architectural award-winning winery is located in Wilyabrup, home of the famed Leston vineyard.

The wines

2025 Flint Rock Riesling – RRP $30

Pristine flowers and citrus, green apples. Pleasant fruitiness tempered by zingy acidity. Classic Great Southern Riesling. Delicious as an aperitif.

2025 Miamup Sauvignon Blanc Semillon – RRP $28

Sauvignon Blanc from the cooler southern part of Margaret River combined with Semillon from the central zone combine in a joyful abundance of gooseberry, asparagus and lime fruit flavours. Crisp clean and flavoursome. Lovely with grilled fish and oysters.

2024 Miamup Chardonnay – RRP $30

Made from a selection of parcels largely from Wilyabrup and also including some southern cooler climate fruit. Lively peach and lemon gently embraced by oaky hints of vanilla and spice, held in check by crisp acidity. A skilfully made wine of balance.

2024 Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon – RRP $30

With a bit of airing in the glass fragrant aromas of blackberry and cassis wafted up. Fine tannins of cabernet and oak nicely bound together and a hint of violets in the background. Made from fruit from the warmer northern parts of Margaret River. This is already approachable but will easily keep and improve for at least five years.

2024 Flint Rock Shiraz – RRP $30

From Mount Barker and Frankland. Cool climate flavours of spice, pepper and ripe plum abound. With airing, sweet fruit comes to the fore, oak very much plays a supporting role. A wine of elegance and balance. It finishes clean and long.

Reviewer's pick

2024 Leston Cabernet Sauvignon – RRP $54

From selected parcels in the Leston vineyard in the heart of Wilyabrup. A wine that commands respect on first approach. Brooding yet enticing, cassis is in abundance. Oak is buried deep amongst the ripe flavours that caress the palate.

Hints of chocolate, olive and cedar dance intertwined with the gorgeous fruit and fine cabernet tannins. This epitomises why Margaret River is world-famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon. While lovely now it will reward with five to ten years of aging.

Medical Forum readers can get 20% off Howard Park wines with the code FORUM20.