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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 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, The Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep crimson red colour with purple hues. The nose is complex with sweet cassis fruit mingled with a touch of earth and blackcurrant and fine integrated vanillin oak. The palate is rich and generous, displaying notes of chocolate, red berries and a touch of white pepper. The wine is elegantly structured and balanced with firm tannins and a lengthy finish.
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