Houghton was established in 1836, just four years after the fledgling colony of Western Australia was founded. It is one of Australia's oldest operating wineries. Houghton is now the tenth-largest red and white bottle brand in Australia, and sources fruit from every major premium grape-growing region in WA, including Gingin, Margaret River, Frankland River and Mount Barker in the Great Southern, and the emerging Pemberton region.

Houghton clone, Selectiv'-harvested or hand-picked and sorted, destemmed whole berries wild yeast-open fermented, 10 days on skins, matured for 13 months in French oak (33% new). Fragrant bouquet, fruit, oak and tannins all building a very, very impressive picture. Margaret River's climate is second to none. Drink to: 2037; Price: $40.00; Date Tasted: January 2020; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; James Halliday

Bright red-berry style with a cedary edge. This is plush, offering attractively ripe fruit flesh and flavors that run from redcurrants to berries and blueberries. Quite succulent and approachable. Drink or hold. Screw cap. Rating: 92 Points; Nick Stock in James Suckling