Parker Estate First Growth 2021

The 2021 vintage is said to have reflected the great years of a time gone by with its classically long and dry ripening period with mild conditions. The First Growth is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and is only crafted in exceptional years when the fruit is of outstanding quality, capable of producing a wine that will age for 15 years or more. This wine spent 16 months in French barriques with 75% of the final blend new. Ripe plum, vanilla bean and savoury, dusty cedar open proceedings before a cascading of blackcurrant, black cherry, tobacco, charred wood and mint. It’s alluring in its quiet poise and restraint, drawing you into the glass. A good swirl brings out graphite, mocha and red earth, too. The palate is equally cool and poised on first look – plum, blackberry, black cherry, cedar, vanilla and earth sit at the fore, with gentle chocolate and coffee notes beneath. Grainy tannins are elegant and integrated, providing ample frame and carry with lovely minty acidity rolling through the back palate. Good even length here. This is a classy release of balance and elegance that will age nicely in the cellar but is also approachable now.