Product Description:
Coonawarra Cabernet at its most classic and confident. Parker Estate's 2022 Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark expression from the southern tip of the famed Terra Rossa strip. Sourced from the estate’s Abbey Vineyard—home to Reynell Selection Cabernet cuttings with Bordeaux lineage—this wine captures everything that defines great Coonawarra: purity of fruit, regional character, and remarkable ageing potential.
Each parcel is handled separately for maximum complexity, with fermentation carried out in small batches and a portion undergoing extended maceration to build structure and depth. Aged for 12 months in French oak (50% new), the result is layered and poised—packed with cassis, blackcurrant, dried herbs and spice, all tied together with firm yet approachable tannins.
It’s drinking beautifully now with red meats or hard cheese, but will reward careful cellaring for a decade or more.
The Maker
John Parker established Hungerford Hill Wines in the Hunter Valley in 1968 and later identified the best locations on Coonawarra’s Terra Rossa strip to establish a vineyard and winery with Doug Balnaves. They planted their first vines on the 50 hectares property purchased from the Abbey family in 1985, which was sourced from the 19th Century-planted vines at Reynella. The inaugural 1988 of First Growth established Parker Estate’s reputation for producing wines of outstanding quality and longevity. Parker Estate has achieved numerous wine show medals, trophies, and accolades, including a Five Star rating by James Halliday, and in 2010, Parker's 'First Growth' entered the Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine as 'Excellent'.
The Vineyard
The Parker Estate ‘Abbey’ vineyard is located on the southern end of the region’s famous strip of terra rossa soil and is predominantly planted to Reynell Selection Cabernet Sauvignon - original cuttings from Bordeaux. These vines, planted in 1985, are the backbone of our First Growth. Our region benefits from the cooling influence of the Southern Ocean, so we enjoy an extended ripening period which gives wonderful fruit expression, depth and complexity.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Fragrant and savoury
Cassis, blackcurrant, clove and bay leaf with earthy spice and red clay warmth.
PALATE
– Structured and full-bodied
Plum, dried herbs and black fruit wrapped in finely-knit tannins and oak spice.
FINISH
– Long and poised
Elegant length with saltbush, cedar and lingering spice.
Reviews & Accolades
“Blackberries on the bush... oak and saltbush are part of the fabric of the wine. Just splendid.” – Shanteh Wale, Halliday Wine Companion, 95 Points
Finer Details:
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon
Country - Australia
Region - Coonawarra, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%
Sale
