2018 Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth

Only produced in exceptional vintages, the fruit for the First Growth is predominately sourced from Parker Coonawarra Estate’s Abbey vineyard which was planted in 1985. The 2018 vintage, made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon, was matured in new French oak barriques and hogsheads  for a period of 18 months.
Midnight black dark red in colour with a deep dark red hue. Sailing from the glass are perfectly ripened blackcurrant and mulberry aromas which are followed by vanillin cedar, tobacco, black olive, earth and subtle bay leaf notes. Rich and concentrated yet possessing superb refinement the palate is awash with blackcurrant and mulberry fruits. Beautifully integrated yet sturdily built tannins impart a velvety feel with complexing tobacco, vanillin cedar, earthy black olive and bay leaf elements chiming in on the back half. Magnificent balance, depth and power with a long powerful finish that has a sleek feel to it.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
From the estate-owned Abbey vineyard. Left 35 days on skins, matured for 18 months in French oak (90% new). As true to Coonawarra for its structure, density and weight, as it is to cabernet for its cassis, blackberries and spice. This is voluminous, expansive, and eminently classy, with a pedigree of fruit that veritably floods the palate with flavour. It endures long into the finish, telling us what we need to know about its capacity for ageing. The tannins too are expertly crafted, countersunk into the fruit, and at no point intrusive to the experience. Drink by 2042.
97 points
Erin Larkin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion