Houghton Winemaker Ross Pamment is delighted to release the first vintages of the winery’s new Margaret River range of wines; a 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 Chardonnay and a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon.

“I’m pleased to provide wine consumers with a new opportunity to discover and enjoy the outstanding qualities of this premium wine growing region through the new Margaret River range”, he said.

“Houghton has long been involved with Margaret River, commencing in the 1960’s when former winemaker Jack Mann worked with Vasse Felix to develop the region’s first vines (following the pivotal research paper on the region’s viticultural potential by Dr John Gladstones).”

“The Margaret River range features three classic wine varieties that perform ideally in the unique soils
and climate of this region.”

Houghton Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2009
We harvested the best parcels of Margaret River fruit between 12- 13 degrees baumé. Following fermentation, the wine batches remained on lees in tank for three months to build further complexity. The components were then blended to produce the first Houghton Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is clear and bright with intense aromatics of lantana, gooseberry and blackcurrant combined with hints of citrus and pineapple. The palate is refreshing and full flavoured with zesty lemon citrus, tropical passionfruit and pineapple. The wine displays good length with mouth-watering, juicy acidity and a crisp and lingering finish.

Houghton Margaret River Chardonnay 2009
Grapes were sourced from premium vineyards in the Margaret River region and were harvested in excellent condition during mid-late March, with baumés of between 12-12.5. The fruit was tankpressed and fermented at cool temperatures (13-18°C). Fermentation was in stainless steel and French oak barriques, resulting in a wine of both freshness and complexity. The nose of this wine displays nuances of citrus, nectarine and white peach with a hint of almond derived from French oak fermentation.  Flavoursome and mouth-filling, the flavours of peach, melon and lemon zest carry through from the nose onto the palate. Hints of candied orange, nutmeg and butterscotch add complexity and enhance the appeal of this balanced wine with an impressive lingering finish.

Houghton Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
For this Cabernet Sauvignon, the Margaret River fruit was crushed and immediately fermented in stainless steel. The ferment was restricted to a maximum of 28°C to ensure the fresh and vibrant varietal characters were retained. The fermenters were pressed out with approximately 1 baumé to go and allowed to ferment to dryness before racking to oak for malolactic fermentation. The wine was matured in 100% French oak barriques for 15 months, before being racked, blended, lightly fined and bottled. Brilliant, deep red with a cherry red hue, the nose is filled with intense aromatics of plum and cassis, chocolate and cigar box complemented by hints of cinnamon and clove spice from oak fermentation. The full flavoured palate displays chocolate, plum, cherry and red berry fruits with fine grained tannins. The wine is beautifully balanced with a luscious, lingering finish.

The Houghton Margaret River range is available in First Choice, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars nationally, with an RRP of $19.95.

For further information: Anita Poddar, Public Relations Manager - 0417819978