Coonawarra 15.0% Screwcap $40
The ABV does not lie- this is a big wine (something I’m discussing on twitter as I type this note). I could even say it’s a leviathan but I’d prefer to avoid being sued for using someone else’s description. 18 months in French barriques again – although this time even more of them were new. There’s a splash of Petit Verdot in here as well.
I quite liked it actually, although it could certainly do with more time in the cellar. A tightly woven tapestry of (very intense) cassis, capsicum, mint and cigar box with understated violets. Spicy, graphite oak characters are prominent but they do eventually settle in. There’s ample generosity to compensate for savoury characters and a stern structure. Some rich dark chocolate as well.
It’s certainly a style of Coonawarra Cabernet that won’t be appreciated by all but it has a place at my table….preferably in about 5-10 more years. The humongous slab of roast meat that I’d serve it with should be ready by then too.
Winery website- http://www.parkercoonawarraestate.com.au/