2018 Parker Estate First Growth, Coonawarra

From the estate-owned Abbey vineyard. Left 35 days on skins, matured for 18 months in French oak (90% new). As true to Coonawarra for its structure, density and weight, as it is to cabernet for its cassis, blackberries and spice. This is voluminous, expansive, and eminently classy, with a pedigree of fruit that veritably floods the palate with flavour. It endures long into the finish, telling us what we need to know about its capacity for ageing. The tannins too are expertly crafted, countersunk into the fruit, and at no point intrusive to the experience.Medium deep colour, Fragrant and evolved blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar/cigar box, hint tobacco leaf aromas with vanilla, toasted almond, Turkish Delight notes. Well concentrated palate with plentiful blackcurrant, blackberry mulberry fruits, persistent fine grainy tannins, attractive mid-palate volume and lovely crème brulée, marzipan, vanilla oak notes. Finishes chocolatey with excellent mineral length.

97 points Erin Larkin winecompanion.com.au

This is a beautiful Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon with the density, complexity and torque to develop for the long haul. Based on Reynell Selection Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in new French oak for 18 months. The buoyant fruit and balanced structure makes it easy to drink, but its best years are ahead

98 points Andrew Caillard MW

The Parker First Growth Cabernet Sauvignon has forged an outstanding reputation from its first vintage releases, its quality and consistency having earned it icon status in the region. The just released 2016 vintage saw a warm spell in early spring that led to early budburst. A generally dry and moderately-warm summer resulted in good berry development and ripening despite the earlier than normal start to the season.