Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Description

Product Description:Only made in years of true distinction. First Growth is Parker Coonawarra Estate’s flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, produced solely when fruit quality and varietal character reach an exceptional level. John Parker established this wine to stand alongside the great First Growths of Bordeaux, and since its inaugural release in 1988 it has built a reputation as one of Coonawarra’s benchmark Cabernets. The 2021 vintage is sourced entirely from the Abbey vineyard, planted in 1985 with Reynell Selection cuttings from Bordeaux. Here, the famous terra rossa soil and the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean create the long, even ripening that allows Cabernet to achieve depth, structure and aromatic complexity. Extended skin contact and maturation in 75% new French oak barriques from Taransaud and Seguin Moreau have produced a wine of impressive precision and longevity, structured for decades in the cellar, yet already refined in balance. The Maker John Parker established Hungerford Hill Wines in the Hunter Valley in 1968 and later identified the best locations on Coonawarra’s Terra Rossa strip to establish a vineyard and winery with Doug Balnaves. They planted their first vines on the 50 hectares property purchased from the Abbey family in 1985, which was sourced from the 19th Century-planted vines at Reynella. The inaugural 1988 of First Growth established Parker Estate’s reputation for producing wines of outstanding quality and longevity. Parker Estate has achieved numerous wine show medals, trophies, and accolades, including a Five Star rating by James Halliday, and in 2010, Parker’s ‘First Growth’ entered the Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine as ‘Excellent’. The Vineyard The Parker Estate ‘Abbey’ vineyard is located on the southern end of the region’s famous strip of terra rossa soil and is predominantly planted to Reynell Selection Cabernet Sauvignon – original cuttings from Bordeaux. These vines, planted in 1985, are the backbone of our First Growth. Our region benefits from the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean, so we enjoy an extended ripening period which gives wonderful fruit expression, depth and complexity. Tasting NotesNOSE– Dark cassis liftAromas of cassis, mulberry and cedar spice with subtle herbal nuances. PALATE– Depth and clarityRich blackcurrant fruit layered with cigar box spice, bay leaf and fine, gravelly tannins. FINISH– Structured persistenceElegant length with mineral detail and oak woven seamlessly into the frame. Reviews & AccoladesNever has a new release Cabernet Sauvignon captivated me as much as this First Growth … measured and balanced to every degree … oak is handled perfectly and melts into the frame … this is winemaker Ox Hardy at his best.” — Steve Lescynski, Q Wine, 98 points A beautifully fruit-focused wine … ruby figs and just-picked blackberries … coffee grinds, sansho pepper and paprika spice … a spider’s web of intricate tannin ensures this wine will age gracefully … I quiver at the thought of how sensationally this wine will evolve.” — Shanteh Wale, Halliday Wine Companion, 97 points Finer Details:Style – Red WineVarietal – Cabernet SauvignonCountry – AustraliaRegion – Coonawarra, South AustraliaVintage – 2021Bottle Size – 750mlABV – 14.5%