2020 Parker Coonawarra Estate First Growth

Only produced in exceptional years this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from Parker Estate’s Abbey vineyard and was matured in French oak barriques (80% new) for a period of 18 months.
Totally opaque black dark red core with a very dark red hue. A delightful mix of blackcurrant, mulberry and cigar box aromas sail out of the glass complimented by some earthy black olive, tomato leaf and bay leaf notes. Rich blackcurrant and mulberry fruits flow across the mid weighted palate with a refined feel. Earthy tobacco, tomato leaf, subtle vanillin cedar, black olive and bay leaf elements also chime in to add further complexity. Polished, seamlessly integrated tannins with a long noble finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews…..
From the Parker Estate Abbey vineyard; 12 days fermentation and 28 days on skins, 80% new oak for 18 months. Bewitching from start to finish. A mix of ripe boysenberry, pomegranate molasses and rooibos tea. Sweet paprika, ochre earth and morello cherries. Cumin, caraway seed and roasted arabica beans. Vanillin and mocha tones give way to maple and blackened grass tree trunk. Sweet cherry pit and carob on the palate; the acidity lingers in wisps. Flavours idle for an age after you’ve put the glass down. Granular tannins. This is showing its style but has a long way to evolve. What a wine! Drink by 2038.
97 Points
Shanteh Wale – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion

First Growth celebrates its 25th vintage release with the 2020 vintage and it’s a ripper. It’s pure, 100% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon as evidenced by the strong, invigorating herbal presence. A rush of thyme, rosemary, fennel mesh with mulberry, black berry and loganberry aromas – quite an exotic, attractive berry feature – and warm woodsy spice notes. Still a mere babe at this young age, such is always the case with First Growth which is traditionally built for the long haul. The palate opens invitingly in crushed leaves, fennel, thyme and herbals surrounding black fruits, bay leaf and cedar. Tannins are bold. Herbals amplified on the finish. Resist the urge to open now, if you can. Further time in bottle will be rewarded big time. Drink 2024-2046.
96 Points
Jeni Port – WinePilot.com