Parker Coonawarra Estate's 'First Growth' Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a testament to the profound potential of Coonawarra's unique terroir. Situated on the famed Terra Rossa strip, this vineyard benefits from a shallow, iron-rich red soil over limestone, a geological anomaly that imparts distinctive character and longevity to its Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2015 vintage, widely lauded for its balance and intensity in Coonawarra, allowed for optimal ripeness and phenolic maturity. This flagship bottling undergoes meticulous selection and an extended maturation period in fine-grained French oak, ensuring a wine of exceptional structure, depth, and age-worthiness. It embodies the quintessential Coonawarra Cabernet profile: concentrated dark fruit, refined tannins, and a persistent, elegant finish, destined for significant cellar development.
Tasting notes
Deep garnet with a vibrant ruby rim, indicating both concentration and youthful vigour. The nose is a complex tapestry of cassis, blackcurrant, and dark plum, interwoven with nuanced notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and a hint of graphite, characteristic of Coonawarra Cabernet. Subtle undertones of dried herbs and a touch of menthol add further aromatic intrigue.
On the palate, the wine reveals remarkable depth and precision. A core of concentrated dark fruit is framed by finely integrated, persistent tannins, providing a firm yet elegant structure. Layers of black cherry, blackberry, and a savoury earthiness unfold, complemented by well-judged French oak influence that contributes notes of vanilla bean and spice without overshadowing the fruit. The finish is exceptionally long and refined, culminating in a mineral-driven persistence that promises significant evolution with further cellaring.