2018 Warrabilla Limited Release Parola's Durif

This is Warrabilla’s flagship wine and it is only produced in exceptional years, or as winemaker Andrew Sutherland-Smith terms it, ‘Unicorn years.’ So exuberant is Andrew about 2018 he describes it as the vintage of a lifetime with all the stars perfectly aligned. …. "In the last 40 years of winemaking, I can’t remember a vintage quite like 2018. It wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t too cold and the porridge, or in this case, the growing conditions, were just right – I think I’m going to call it, Goldilocks vintage! There was some ominous rain clouds forecast, and some folks did get in and harvest a little early but it was basically a matter of holding one’s nerve. Good things come to those who wait. Better things come to those who wait longer. We were able to pick when the grapes reached their absolute optimum. This is evident in these wines – rich, fleshy and mouth-filling with wonderful varietal definition. The colours are excellent for each variety but so too are the perfumed aromatics, ripe fruit characters and soft tannins."

Without a shadow of a doubt this is Rutherglen’s benchmark Durif.

Spectacular saturation of colour displaying an impenetrable pitch black core that clings to the sides of the glass with a paint like cling. The hue an incredible dense black dark purple. Hedonistic ripe black cherry, blackberry, liquorice and dark chocolate aromas soar out of the glass followed by dark plum, vanillin oak and hints of spicy mocha. Boasting atomic like power, explosive richness and superb structure this is an absolute colossus of a wine that will leave Warrabilla fans weak at the knees. Dense and opulently textured, extravagantly generous black and Morello cherry, liquorice and dark plum fruits saturate every corner of the mouth with vanillin oak in hot pursuit. Subtle elements of black olive and spice lurk beneath. Bright acidity and firm muscular tannins complete the balancing act, thus the hippopotamus in a tutu reference. Polished yet grippy finish with out of this world intensity, epic length and a mind bogglingly long aftertaste dripping in black fruits. Showstopper stuff!
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 16.5%