Let's not beat around the bush... This is the best Parker Estate Block 95 I've seen to date. A consistent performer over many years, as I retrospectively checked my notes, it has been hovering around 93 points. This is the first time I have slapped 95 beside its name. Well played by Ox Hardy and his team.
An 89/11 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, it saw 60% new French oak for 16 months.
Silky smooth, blackberries, blackcurrants, pretty violets and dried purple flowers make a most positive impression. Some grilled peppers, pasta sauce and a flash of Teriyaki sauce add a neat savoury appeal, not to mention the expected Bay leaf and black olive notes that build momentum. Dark chocolate and dried mint leaves rise up late. I perused this over three days and it just continued to improve. An absolute delight!
95/100
Region: Coonawarra
