My new favourite steak place - the International on the Water at 1 Epsom Avenue Ascot doesn't server Merlot by the glass... it substitutes its house red the Houghton Classic and although expensive $8 a glass it is a good drop.
Houghton has proudly been
established for over 175 years
. Their exacting attention to flavour
profile and overall balance in their wines that sets Houghton apart
.
Named after the 100 year old
trademark and sourced from
a variety
of West Australian vineyards, the
Houghton Stripe range epitomises
the flavoursome, vibrant style of
Houghton
.
2013 Vintage
The 2013 vintage was another
excellent vintage in Western
Australia
. The south
-west
experienced below average winter
rainfall largely due to mostly dry
conditions in both July and August
. In
the spring that followed, both above
average temperatures and rainfall
were received
.
While the summer of
2012
/13 had above average rainfall
this was fortunately all in December
and early January
. The summer also
recorded above average
temperatures
. These conditions
meant that while berry development
was rapid there were adequate water
reserves to ensure that the fruit
retained flavour and freshness
.
Winemaker’s Notes
The fruit was machine harvested
when flavour ripe, then crushed and
fermented as separate parcels
.
Fermentation on skins in static
fermenters lasted 10 days
. Following
fermentation, the wine was gently
pressed off skins and then matured
on French oak for eight months
before selected parcels were blended
and bottled
.
Tasting Notes
The colour is
a brilliant dark red with
a scarlet hue
.
The nose displays
intensely aromatic primary fruit
characters of plums
, raspberries and
cassis interwoven with dark
chocolate, nutmeg and vanilla spice
from French oak maturation
. T
he
flavoursome fruit driven palate
showcases red berry fruit flavours
combined with hints of wild mint and
chocolate
. Fine chalky tannins and
supple acidity lend structure and
length
.
Vintage
2013
Growing Area
Western Australia
Winemaker
Ross Pamment
Food Suggestion
Enjoy with
a slow cooked shoulder of
lamb or
a selection of hard cheeses
. [ or medium rare steak. My choice ]