2024 Parker Estate Terra Rossa Merlot, Coonawarra

From a single vineyard in Coonawarra, maturation was for a year in a mix of new oak (10%), with the remaining wine spending its time in older 300-litre hogsheads. Just 200 dozen produced. Opaque maroon with a dark red rim, the nose offers notes of earth and tar, with aromas of cloves, fruitcake, chocolate and smoked meats. As we move to the palate, we see more evidence of blackberries, chocolate and coffee beans, the latter especially prevalent on the finish. There is good concentration here with intensity running the full length and a seamless texture. There is a fine line of acidity and good balance throughout. An excellent example of Merlot which should drink impressively over the next eight to ten years. Drink to 2036.

93 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, April 2026

An inky wine with richness and black berry presence. Some cedar and potpourri florals. The genial plummy components unfold on the palate with sage and bay leaf. Tannins are powdery and hold the wine upright. This has the ability to age further, say five to six years, but for now, it is a merlot worth a decant and your attention. Drink to 2031.

92 points Shanteh Wale for Halliday Wine Companion, July 2026

Stewed red plums and wet earth aromas lead into a medium body that's high on red fruits and freshness. it's nicely balanced with a refreshing injection of acidity that enlivens and keeps the wine light on its feet. No need to cellar: enjoy its youthful energy in the short term.

89 points Gabrielle Poy for The Real Review, May 2026

The fruit for this wine was sourced from Jon Kidman’s Banks Thargo vineyard. The grapes were fermented for eleven days in small open stainless-steel fermenters. Once the parcels had completed malolactic conversion, they matured for twelve months in mostly seasoned (second to fourth use, with only 10% new) French oak hogsheads.

About this producer

Parker Estate was established by John and Faye Parker’s 1985 planting of the Abbey Vineyard in Coonawarra with the Reynell Selection of Cabernet Sauvignon. Current owners, the Hesketh family through their Usual Suspects Collective, acquired the estate in 2013. The vineyards sit over a limestone base beneath rich Terra Rossa topsoil, a distinctive combination that has been the foundation of the region’s fame.