Parker First Growth Cabernet Blend 2005 (Coonawarra, SA)

NOTES

Parker Coonawarra Estate has achieved an unmatched reputation both within Australia and overseas where fine wines are revered for integrity and consistently superb quality. Commercial constraints played no part in the development of Parker Coonawarra Estate. John Parker, whose many years involvement in the wine industry resulted in a desire to produce a premium wine from Australia's premier red wine district culminated with the release of the 1988 "Terra Rossa First Growth" in 1991.

The Parker Estate Vineyard, situated at the Southern end of Coonawarra, was established in 1985 on the rich Terra Rossa soil over limestone of Coonawarra and carries Cabernet Sauvignon as the predominant variety with minor plantings of Merlot and Petit Verdot.

Each vintage small quantities of the best fruit is selected for the Terra Rossa First Growth. If in any one year the grapes do not reach the high standard set, then no Terra Rossa First Growth is made, as was the case in 1992, 1995, 1997, 2002 & 2003 . In those years the wine released was under the Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon label.

TASTING NOTES

Integral to the style and quality of the Parker wines has been the unique meso climate of its vineyard located in the southern part of the Coonawarra. Whilst the famous cigar shaped Terra Rossa strip is quite compact (1.5 x 15 kilometres) there are noticeable climatic and soil differences within the strip that impart unique qualities on the wines. Compared to the central and northern parts of Coonawarra Parker’s southerly site is less prone to frost and has a higher median temperature and benefits from crucial additional hang time with ripening occurring up to 10-14 days later.

 A wet winter started season 2005 with good rains recharging the aquifer, the best refill in at least three years. Generally dry conditions followed with very good canopies and good leaf area. March and April produced typical “Indian Summer” weather dry and warm, ideal conditions for ripening. Grapes were harvested in early April at 13c Baume under perfect conditions. Integral to the style and structure of the First Growth is the 7 day warm fermentation and 4-6 week maceration on skins. Individual parcels were then matured in new French oak (Seguin Moreau Chateau and Taransaud Chateau) for 18 months before blending. The assembled blend was returned to oak before egg fining and bottling.

A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot, this limited bottling is deep in colour with a purple hue. The nose is fine and lifted with intense pure cassis aromas, liquorice and nuances of fine smoky French oak. The palate is intense and deep with layered rich cassis, blackberry fruit and mineral overtones. An elegant structure is complemented by good acidity and balance, the finish is long and lingering with fine suede like tannins.