97 Points - Shanteh Wale
Parker Estate's First Growth is only produced when the growing season shows exceptional fruit quality, and when a particular vintage is deemed to have ageing potential beyond 15 years.
The 2021 Parker First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon is another exceptional example of Coonawarra Cabernet, offering an aromatic nose of cassis, liquorice and subtle seaweed notes with smoky French oak. The densely layered blackcurrant, mint and leather on the palate combine with the elegant oak frame for a long and fine mouth-feel with fine suede-like tannin.
"97 Points. 100% Abbey vineyard. Maturation occurred in 75% new barriques for 16 months. Just as the ’20 vintage hinted at its future potential, with subtle yet distinctive signs, the soon-to-be-released ’21 vintage remains intriguingly reserved, keeping its secrets close in this exceptional year. A beautifully fruit-focused wine beginning with rosella and persimmon, following up with ruby figs and just-picked blackberries. There are coffee grinds, sansho pepper and paprika spice. A spider’s web of intricate tannin ensures this wine will age gracefully, unfolding at its own unhurried pace. The prestige it carries makes this a vintage you won’t want to miss. While already drinking beautifully, its true character will emerge between 10 and 18 years from now. I quiver at the thought of how sensationally this wine will evolve."- Shanteh Wale, Halliday Wine Companion.
