1998 Parker Coonawarra Estate Merlot

This is the first release of a straight Merlot from Parker Coonawarra Estate - Only 500 cases of this wine were made.Coonawarra has established a reputation for world class Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique soil type – the famous terra rossa provides structure and elegance, so the transition to the Merlot variety was a natural progression.
The 1998 vintage offered superb conditions and the perfect platform to release a varietal Merlot under the Parker Coonawarra Estate label. The wine exhibits all the hallmarks of a great wine. With particular reference to Merlot it has the main ingredient – fruit concentration. The depth of flavour follows the combination of rich, ripe berry aromas and very meticulous use of new French oak.The length of flavour, which is so critical to the structure of wine, is perfectly balanced with the fine ripe tannins. Drink 2006-2010. 13.5% alcohol volume.

Winemakers Comments:" I have rarely seen a wine of this structure and would clearly rate it with the best from France"