2022 Parker Estate Cool Climate Shiraz, Coonawarra

The Parker Estate Cool Climate Shiraz from Coonawarra is a vibrant and elegant take on this classic Australian variety, shaped by the region’s famous terra rossa soils and maritime-influenced climate. Parker Estate, founded in 1985, is best known for its age-worthy Cabernet, but Shiraz also thrives here, developing a distinctive cool-climate profile that emphasises spice, freshness and balance over sheer power.

In the glass, it is deep crimson with purple highlights. The bouquet is lifted and complex, offering blackberry, plum and dark cherry woven with black pepper, clove, violets and a hint of earthy minerality. On the palate it is medium-bodied and finely structured, with juicy dark fruits supported by silky tannins and bright natural acidity. Subtle oak maturation brings layers of cocoa and savoury spice, while the finish is long, smooth and refreshing, showing both elegance and drive.

Food pairings suit its vibrant and spicy style: roast lamb with rosemary, beef tagine with prunes, chargrilled kangaroo fillet, or a mushroom and lentil ragù. Hard cheeses such as pecorino or manchego also pair beautifully. Best enjoyed young for its energy and freshness, but it will cellar gracefully for 8 to 10 years, developing more savoury, earthy and leathery notes.