John Parker's focus and unwavering dedication to Coonawarra remains core to Parker Coonawarra Estate today -
"The most appropriate grape varieties and clones, grown on the right soil profile in the best locations with the Coonawarra, to make the best possible wines from this exceptional growing region."
To celebrate Cellar Dwellars and ease the lockdown pain, we have made the 2009 Museum Release vintage of First Growth available to purchase online as a special treat just for you.
Fruit for this wine is sourced predominantly from the Kidman family vineyard located up the northern end of the terra rossa strip - a small parcel from Rob McLeod at Tirrike Farms was also included in the final blend. This area is known for being a preferable growing location for Shiraz.
First Growth is only produced when the growing season produces exceptional fruit quality, and when a particular vintage is deemed to have ageing potential beyond 15 years.
The 95 Block sub-section of our vineyard is located west of the cellars and is planted with Reynell selection Cabernet Sauvignon. These vines are original cuttings from Bordeaux, brought to Coonawarra before they were lost to France due to Phylloxera in the late 1800s.
This single block Shiraz is crafted to the highest standards, utilising fruit from one of the Coonawarra’s most outstanding Shiraz vineyards. It epitomises the purity and elegance of cool climate Coonawarra.
Evita is the culmination of two beautiful parcels of fruit: Coonawarra (Kidman Block) Shiraz 68% and Barossa Valley Malbec (Lienert vineyard) 32%. Elegant cool climate shiraz characters of layered dark and red fruits with subtle savoury tones blend seamlessly with the lifted and spicy florals of the Barossa malbec.
S.B.W. #3 - Napoleon - is made up of 75% Coonawarra Cabernet and 25% Barossa Montepulciano. Named after Napoleon Bonaparte - whose Italian heritage and French birthright saw him become both emperor of France AND King of Italy; similarly the grape varieties in our S.B.W.#3 hail from both France (Cabernet Sauvignon) and Italy (Montepulciano).
The marriage between Coonawarra soils and the noble Cabernet Sauvignon grape have long been known to produce wines of outstanding quality and longevity and this is no exception; a beautiful expression of Coonawarra Cabernet: regal and powerful, yet structurally elegant..
This wine is a classic example of cool climate Shiraz, highlighting the elegant fruit notes and hints of spice alongside gently supportive, finegrained tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.
