Parker Coonawarra Estate 95 Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Parker Estate lies in the heart of Coonawarra, one of Australia's most prestigious regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Distinguished by its famed terra rossa soils—rich, free-draining red clays overlaying limestone—Coonawarra offers an ideal environment for the slow ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in wines of concentration, structure, and ageability.

The fruit for this cuvée is sourced from a distinct section of the Abbey estate: the '95 Block'. Planted west of the cellar door, this parcel is home to Reynell selection Cabernet Sauvignon, a rare clone of pre-phylloxera Bordeaux origin. These cuttings, imported into Australia before the phylloxera crisis, offer an extraordinary genetic lineage. A minor but meaningful portion of Petit Verdot from the same block—known for its inky depth and structural backbone—was co-fermented with the Cabernet, adding complexity and finesse.

Winemaking

The 2020 vintage in Coonawarra was marked by moderate yields and excellent fruit quality. Harvested on 17 April, the grapes underwent fermentation in a 9-tonne closed static fermenter over 10 days. The must then remained on skins for a further 30 days of extended maceration, enhancing tannin integration and depth of color—key to the wine’s longevity and elegance.

Following malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, the wine was matured for 19 months in 50% new French oak barriques, predominantly from Taransaud and Seguin Moreau. This high proportion of new oak imbued the wine with fine-grained tannins and structural refinement, perfectly balancing the vivid fruit core. The final blend is composed of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep dark red with vibrant purple hues, signaling youth and concentration.
• Aroma: An enticing bouquet of blackcurrant, herbal tea, and floral lift; pristine fruit purity with nuances of violets and subtle oak spice.
• Palate: Juicy red fruits—blackberry and raspberry—unfold with freshness and vibrancy. The palate is tightly woven with grippy, youthful tannins and a lively acid backbone. The texture is fine and elegant, finishing with impressive length and poise.

Did you know?

The Reynell selection of Cabernet Sauvignon, used in this wine, is among Australia's oldest clonal materials. Originally brought from Bordeaux before the advent of phylloxera, these vines were lost in France but preserved in South Australia. This makes the 95 Block a living link to Bordeaux’s viticultural heritage—a rare historical continuity now expressed in modern Australian winemaking.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb rack with rosemary and garlic: The wine's tannic grip and herbal lift make it a stellar match for rich lamb cuts.
• Beef Wellington: The wine's depth and structure complement the earthy mushroom duxelles and flaky pastry.
• Aged cheddar or Comté: These firm cheeses echo the wine's structure and highlight its dark fruit core.
• Duck breast with blackberry jus: The berry-driven palate of the wine harmonizes beautifully with fruit-accented game dishes.

History of Parker Coonawarra

Parker Coonawarra Estate was established in 1985 by John and Faye Parker with a singular focus: to craft world-class Cabernet Sauvignon that could rival the finest wines of Bordeaux. From its inception, the estate has been rooted in a philosophy of uncompromising quality, underpinned by meticulous viticulture and traditional winemaking.

The foundation of the estate's identity lies in the Reynell Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, a rare clone of pre-phylloxera Bordeaux origin. This genetic treasure, planted in 1985, provides the backbone for the estate’s flagship wines, particularly First Growth and 95 Block.

Over the decades, Parker has earned a reputation as one of Coonawarra's premier producers, consistently recognized for its age-worthy and terroir-expressive reds. The estate has been stewarded by several dedicated winemakers, with each generation preserving the stylistic integrity that has made Parker a reference point for the region.

Region and Vineyards

Parker Coonawarra Estate is located along the terra rossa strip in the heart of Coonawarra, one of Australia’s most iconic red wine regions. This narrow ribbon of rich red clay over limestone provides optimal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon: excellent drainage, moderate fertility, and a cooling maritime climate that extends the ripening period.

The estate’s fruit comes predominantly from its Abbey vineyard, where low-yielding, dry-grown vines dig deep into the limestone subsoil. The Reynell clone, a vital part of Parker’s identity, lends the wines their hallmark depth, concentration, and aging potential.

The Abbey site also features small plantings of Petit Verdot, often co-fermented with Cabernet to add structure and aromatic lift to select cuvées.

Wine Range of Parker Coonawarra

Parker Coonawarra specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon-led wines, all showcasing the estate’s signature elegance and structure. The portfolio is anchored by:

• First Growth: A flagship 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, produced only in the finest vintages. Aged extensively in French oak, it represents the pinnacle of the estate’s craftsmanship.
• 95 Block: A limited release from a distinct vineyard parcel, blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Noted for its precision and purity.
• Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon: The estate’s classic expression, offering immediate charm and cellar potential.
• Coonawarra Series: A more approachable style capturing the essence of the region’s red fruit and herbal character.

Each wine reflects Parker's philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard and vintage to speak with clarity.

Did you know?

The Reynell clone of Cabernet Sauvignon planted at Parker Estate is a direct descendant of vines brought to South Australia from Bordeaux before the phylloxera outbreak. These vines are now extinct in their native France, making Parker's vineyard a living repository of pre-phylloxera Bordeaux heritage.