ABBEY VINEYARD ICONS | PARKER COONAWARRA ESTATE
First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
“A cabernet with a lengthy history of excellence. It is from a single vineyard planted in ’85. The vines are fully mature, and the blackcurrant fruit revels in the generous proportion of new French oak allocated to it every year.”
96 Points, James Halliday Wine Companion 2021
Terra Rossa Icons from the Abbey Vineyard
Located in the prized section of southern Coonawarra, the Abbey Vineyard was selected by John Parker in the 1980s for its pure expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. Particularly at this southern end of the Terra Rossa strip, where the region is so close to the “giant refrigerator” of the southern ocean, vintage commences later than other regions – often starting in mid-April and up to two weeks after the northern end of the strip. It goes to this temperate influence that former winemaker Phil Lehmann noted to The Wine Advocate, “The grapes don’t get Porty or jammy…So I don’t have a problem letting the fruit get ripe.”
Fifth-generation winemaker now at the helm at Parker, Andrew Hardy, believes that Cabernet – one of the great varieties of the world – shows its best and an original expression here in Coonawarra. “We do see what the region gives in the bottle…it’s really special“, he says. This uniqueness from the famed red soils, rich in iron-oxide overlaying limestone, and a maritime-influenced climate that maintains cool night temperatures through summer, produces a medium-bodied style with excellent depth and finely balanced tannins.
The Parker First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon has forged an outstanding reputation from its first vintage releases, its quality and consistency having earned it icon status in the region. The 2016 vintage is released on 23 March, this vintage saw a warm spell in early spring that led to early budburst. A generally dry and moderately-warm summer resulted in good berry development and ripening despite the earlier than normal start to the season. The 2018 95 Block Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot is an excellent vintage of extended ripening, though with reduced yields due to an unusual frost in November 2017.
Also to be released, is the inaugural Kidman Shiraz 2019. A special release alongside 95 Block, the fruit is from two particular parcels – 50+ year-old naturally low-yielding vines that produce particularly concentrated shiraz. A counterpoint to other South Australian shiraz, it is made in a lifted and medium-body style, showcasing the purity and elegance of the cooler Coonawarra region.
Please speak to your Fesq & Company Representative about these flagship releases from Parker Coonawarra Estate.
Thanks, Sophie
“Source: fesq.com.au”