With a rich heritage in Western Australia, award-winning winery Houghton announces its 185th anniversary and marks its very first vintage release on October 21, unveiling its latest Icon wines – the 2019 Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon and 2019 CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec.
As one of Australia’s oldest and most revered wineries – and the #2 West Australian wine brand* – Houghton has a legacy of consistent, quality winemaking and an impressive history that spans only 14 senior winemakers.
The 2021 Houghton Vintage Release brings to life not only the varietal characteristics of the pristine Frankland River and Margaret River regions but also the people who, and the stories that, have built the remarkable winery and portfolio since its inception in 1836.
Today, from its recently established home in Margaret River, Houghton is the culmination of outstanding vineyards and an unwavering commitment to exploring the best that the West has to offer.
Houghton Senior Winemaker Courtney Treacher says the brand’s enviable reputation in the winemaking industry is firmly rooted in Western Australia’s regional nuances.
“For over 185 years Houghton has been producing wines that are unique expressions of Western Australia’s idyllic landscape. Houghton’s inaugural 2021 collection is a stellar line-up of premium wines from the 2019 vintage, a result of careful craftsmanship and a combination of new and old winemaking techniques. I am immensely proud to have created these wines, following in the footsteps of such accomplished winemakers before me,” Treacher explains.
The Langton’s Classified flagship Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon is named after Houghton’s legendary winemaker who was at the winery’s helm for 51 consecutive vintages. The 2019 release of this quintessential West Australian drop is sourced from a single vineyard in Frankland River. Its palate is full flavoured, rich and layered with an undeniably powerful presence. Intense notes of dark forest fruits, blackberry, plum skin and dark chocolate characters, with subtle bay leaf, tobacco and mint overlays. Boasting outstanding intensity, structure and balance, the 2019 Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon will enjoy a long cellaring life and one to open on a special occasion in 15-20 years.
Such classic regional taste is observed in the 2019 Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon, a fine wine that honours renowned viticulturist and long-standing Houghton supporter, Dr John Gladstones. This Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit layered and varied on the nose and palate – a rich tapestry of the charm that Margaret River embodies. Notes of cassis, plum and milk chocolate come through in this intensely full-bodied red, complemented by a palate of cassis, dark berry fruits and tobacco. French oak maturation adds pastry, vanillin and subtle spices. This is a wine built to age gracefully with careful cellaring for up to 15 years.
Unabashedly imposing on the palate but brilliantly balanced is the richly aromatic 2019 CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec that showcases the outstanding potential of Frankland River. With an intensely aromatic bouquet of mulberry, cassis and plum pudding, this 2019 vintage is complex on the nose. It displays a full-flavoured palate with bramble fruit, dark chocolate and firm yet fine tannins. An elegant wine with incredible length that will reach its peak drinking potential with cellaring between 15-20 years.
In the last 44 years, Houghton has received 817 Gold Medals and 256 Trophies, and the latest release Icons are already earning recognition within the global wine community. Recent accolades include the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards: 2019 Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon (93 Points – Silver); 2019 Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon (92 Points – Silver) and 2019 C.W. Ferguson Cabernet Malbec (91 Points – Silver). The Decanter World Wine Awards are widely considered the world’s largest and most influential wine competition.
Such full-bodied, iconic West Australian wines from Houghton have been delighting drinkers for decades, local and abroad. Kate Lamont, granddaughter of Jack Mann, attributes the winery’s long-standing success in its ability to capture the best representations of the West.
“There’s a real sense of provenance in every bottle of Houghton wine. It’s a brand that has stayed true to its winemaking philosophy and sense of exploration, crafting wines sourced only from the most exceptional regions – unsurpassed in quality and unspoiled by time,” Lamont comments.
The Houghton 2021 Vintage Collection:
2019 Jack Mann Cabernet Sauvignon | RRP $174.99
2019 Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon | RRP $99.99
2019 C.W. Ferguson Cabernet Malbec | RRP $77.99
From October 21, the Houghton 2021 vintage collection wines are available in major and select independent retailers nationwide or online at www.houghton-wines.com.au
