98 Points - Andrew Caillard
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 2018 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.
“98 Points. Medium deep colour, Fragrant and evolved blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar/cigar box, hint tobacco leaf aromas with vanilla, toasted almond, Turkish Delight notes. Well concentrated palate with plentiful blackcurrant, blackberry mulberry fruits, persistent fine grainy tannins, attractive mid-palate volume and lovely crème brulée, marzipan, vanilla oak notes. Finishes chocolatey with excellent mineral length. This is a beautiful Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon with the density, complexity and torque to develop for the long haul. Based on Reynell Selection Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in new French oak for 18 months. The buoyant fruit and balanced structure makes it easy to drink, but its best years are ahead.”- Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal.
"97 Points. 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. $110. 14.5% alc. Drink by: 2042. Screwcap."- Erin Larkin, winecompanion.com.au.
