Houghton’s inaugural vintage release, 185 years in the making

October 13, 2021
By Ioni Doherty

With a rich heritage in Western Australia, award-winning winery Houghton is celebrarting 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 the varietal characteristics of the pristine Frankland River and Margaret River regions, the people and the stories that have built the winery and portfolio since 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,” Ms 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 Western Australian drop is sourced from a single vineyard in Frankland River. Its palate is full flavoured, rich and layered with an undeniably powerful presence.

The 2019 Gladstones Cabernet Sauvignon 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. 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. An elegant wine with incredible length that will reach its peak drinking potential with cellaring between 15-20 years. 

Recent accolades for the vintage 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 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

Available in major and select independent retailers nationwide or online at www.houghton-wines.com.au from Thursday, 21 October.

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