Parker Coonawarra Estate 95 Block 2018

Blending cabernet sauvignon with petit verdot is a little unusual, and for one simple reason. Both of these grapes create big and tannic wines, petit verdot in particular being well known for its structure and needing time to settle. But that is what we have here and it works out well, although you will want to give this wine some serious time.

It is a beautifully pure and punchy Coonawarra red showing the classic regional choc-mint aromas well supported by fleshier spicy mulberry fruits with a good dash of new French oak, but not too much. There is lots to love. The palate though is all about structure and the future – it’s packed with flavour and tannins which drive a big, dense style with juicy acidity in strong support. Long and strong, don’t even look at this wine for at least ten years and then only with slow cooked lamb shanks.