Apr 1, 2023

Paul EdwardsThe West Australian Premium For every proud winery releasing its latest internationally acclaimed super-premium reds, there’s a handful of naysayers in the cheap seats, invoking tall poppy syndrome. Usually, they favour a tried and trusted low-cost option instead, confident in the knowledge that they’ve hacked wine and found the best value “ten-buck chuck” on the market. Perhaps they’re right? What actually is the difference between a $10 staple and a drop ranging into the hundreds of dollars? Among the best producers to answer this question is Houghton Wines. Established in 1836, they are the third-oldest operating winery in Australia, and while they are sadly no longer ensconced in their original Swan Valley heritage property, they continue to produce what is likely WA’s most loved wine brand: Houghton Stripe range, most famous for the perennially good White Classic (formerly known as White Burgundy). They are, however, less well known for producing exceptional wines such as Houghton Jack Mann cabernet sauvignon, which tops out their super-premium range.