About This Wine
Since the release of the inaugural 1988 vintage, First Growth has set a benchmark for superior wine quality in the Coonawarra region. It is a wine made without compromise, using only the very best viticulture and winemaking practices, and is only produced when a particular vintage shows exceptional fruit quality and is deemed to have ageing potential for a minimum of fifteen years. First Growth is made exclusively from Reynell selection Cabernet Sauvignon (cuttings from pre-phylloxera Bordeaux) grown in the very best sub-sections of Parker Coonawarra Estate’s Abbey vineyard. This vintage is the second to include a small amount of Petit Verdot (3%) from the ‘95 Block’ sub-section.
| Type | Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Varietal(s) | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Coonawarra |
| Brand | Parker Coonawarra Estate |
| Vintage | 2015 |
Coonawarra Wine
The Coonawarra wine region is most known for its Cabernet Sauvignon that is produced on red “terra rossa” soil. This clay soil is one of the most notable in the “New World” of wine covering an area of only 15kmx2km. The terra rossa soil also overlies soft, penetrable limestone and it is this uncommon combination that makes this region so special.
“Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted variety in the world and Coonawarra is one of the few regions where free draining soils and maritime ripening conditions achieve the ultimate varietal expression.” Coonawarra.org
From Coonawarra Cabernet you can expect a medium bodied red with powerful yet polished tannins, luscious dark berry fruit, herb and mint flavours as well as satisfying length.
While half of region’s production is Cabernet, the limestone soils also suit planting of Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc.
Huon Hooke – "The colour is quite deep with a subtle tinge of purple, suggesting some early development, while the bouquet is similarly developed and shows tobacco, crushed leaf, raspberry and blackcurrant aromas. There's a tinge of tomato bush too. The palate is very full-bodied, concentrated and dense, with chewy texture and loads of extract. The tannins are very evident but not unbalanced. It demands patience, and will age for the long-term."