Parker Estate 95 Block Coonawarra 2022

From Parker Estate’s Abbey Vineyard, this is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Petit Verdot that was matured in barriques for 16 months with 60% of the final blend new. Dark plum and cedar notes define the aromatic opening, followed by charred wood, dark chocolate and black forest cake. Air unlocks blackberry, choc mint, graphite and a lick of new leather. There’s nice weight and texture to the palate – it’s intense and deep without descending to ponderousness. Plum, forest cake, leather, cedar and blackberry lead with a minty freshness in tow. Good structure here, with the grainy tannins fine and integrated and lovely dark fruit-laced acidity freshening a finish of good length. This is a well crafted wine that balances power and finesse nicely.

Tom Kline

Wine Critic at Winepilot

Tom Kline is a wine writer, reviewer, presenter, and educator based in Victoria, Australia. He is the Australian correspondent for the internationally respected publications Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy and Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux, where he highlights the top tier of Australian wine for a global audience. Tom also writes for leading outlets including Decanter (UK), Wine Spectator (US), and Halliday Magazine, among others. An experienced wine show judge and WSET educator, he has authored several consumer-focused wine courses aimed at making wine more accessible and engaging. In 2023, Tom was awarded Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column at the prestigious Wine Communicator Awards, presented by Wine Communicators of Australia.

Wine tasting and writing