The 2005 year in Coonawarra produced some exceptional Cabernets, all of which were favoured by

outstanding weather conditions.

Parker First Growths are made for extended cellaring (15 or more years).

The 2005 Parker First Growth was one of many great Cabernets crafted in the Coonawarra region in
that year.

Comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%) and Merlot (9%), the 2005 Parker First Growth is incredibly
ripe, fruity, concentrated, intense and full-bodied. The tannins, though medium to fine in texture,
are omnipresent making the wine a long-term proposition. The wine displays an intense nose of
cassis. On the palate, the wine is layered with ripe redcurrant, cherry and liquorice combined with
typical French oak elegance. The finish is long and lingering.

The 2005 Parker First Growth is still developing and will not peak for another 8 to 10 years. Keep it
in your cellar.

A truly great Cabernet!

2005 Vintage Report

Coonawarra Vignerons are pleased to report that 2005 was a very good vintage with warm
dry conditions during March and April concluding the favourable conditions experienced
throughout the growing season.

The early start to vintage delivered some terrific flavours in the white varieties and this trend
was maintained for the red wines with all varieties considered as very good to exceptional.

The 2005 vintage will be remembered as comparatively compact with average to slightly
below average yields and warm dry conditions throughout, making for trouble-free harvest
management.
The early vintage can be traced back to the start of the season with early bud burst and
excellent shoot growth resulting from a wet winter and fine spring conditions. Flowering was
also a little earlier and the weather was favourable for the most part but cooler conditions
towards the end of flowering did inhibit fruit set in some vineyards.
Late spring and summer can at best be called normal, with mild conditions experienced
throughout the growing season but with a noticeable absence of periods of hot weather. This,
along with the very dry summer and autumn, provided for a near ideal season in which the
vines were comfortably able to ripen their fruit.
Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc all benefited from the mild summer and the
majority of fruit was picked with high acid, lovely mineral elements and slightly austere fruit
characters.

Winemakers are particularly pleased with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and
Cabernet Franc, all of which have good varietal characteristics and structure with a rich ripe
flavour profile and generous ripe tannins, albeit with higher alcohols that normally expected.
Shiraz also enjoyed the warm dry autumn conditions allowing Winemakers to pursue fruit
characters in the riper spectrum with generous flavours and structure.
In summary, a very pleasing year.
 Winemaker notes:
Deep red with purple tint
An intense nose of pure cassis, liquorice and subtle seaweed notes with smoky French oak.
Layered blackcurrant, mint and leather on the palate combine with the elegant oak frame
for a long and fine mouth-feel. A softer finish than normal with fine suede-like tannins.
Appraised as one of the outstanding vintage of this label, the 2005 vintage was warm, dry
and early ripening.
Made for extended cellaring for 15 or more years.
Decant before serving.
Varietal compositionCabernet Sauvignon 91%, Merlot 9%
Bottling DateMarch 2007
Fermentation Method
Fermentation in 8 tonne static stainless steel fermenters with most parcels undergoing long maceration on skins
Fermentation Time7days
Yeast typeAWRI 796/BM45
Skin Contact Time8-30 days
Barrel Origin100% new French Oak Barriques
Seguin Moreau Chateau and TaransaudChateau
Time in barrel19months
MLF100%
Alcohol14.7%
Residual Sugar0.37 g/LAcidity (TA) 7.8g/L pH 3.37
Viticulture
RegionCoonawarra
Yield 2.0-3.5tonnes/acre
Date of Harvest7-8thApril
Vine Age20years
CloneReynella Selection
Soil TypeTerra Rossaover Limestone

FIRST GROWTH
VINTAGE 2005

The name first growth, based on an old world, specifically Bordeaux philosophy, represents the selection of the best parcels of
Coonawarra fruit for Parker Coonawarra Estate. Proud of its region and humbled by critical review, including Langton's
'excellent' classification. As the custodians of Parker Coonawarra Estate, our aim is to uphold the tradition of authentic
Coonawarra heritage and to add to the pedigree since the founder late John Parker began over 25 years ago. Since the first
vintage of 1988 was released in 1991, the Parker First Growth wine is only made in the best seasons and when vintage is
deemed to have ageing potential beyond 15 years cellaring. No First Growth was made in 1992, 1995, 1997, 2002, 2003 or
2007.
The 2005 vintage received 93 points from James Halliday and is proudly 5-star rated.
 Langton's Classification
Parker Coonawarra Estate has proudly achieved Langton's Classification V for Excellence for our First
Growth Cabernet Sauvignon. We are one of only 123 Australian wineries to receive this
acknowledgement for winemaking excellence.

What is Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine?

Langton’s 2010 Classification of Australian Wine V is a ‘form guide’ of Australia’s best performing and most prized
wines. It was first published in 1990 to create interest and build demand in the fledgling Australian fine wine market.
Followed by wine collectors and wine trade around the world, it has become an Australian institution with a
prestigious international currency. It is arguably the most famous and widely respected wine Classification outside
of Europe.

What are the Classification categories?

Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine comprises four categories:
 Exceptional
 Outstanding
 Excellent
 Distinguished
How many wines are included in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine V?
Langton’s Classification V comprises 123 ultra-fine Australian wines, each with a reputation for consistency and
provenance. Revised every five years, the Classification demonstrates an evolving Australian wine making culture
at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the world of fine wine. It also reflects a continuing momentum
towards single vineyard wines and regional identity. It maintains a strong emphasis on red wines, particularly labels
with renowned cellaring potential.
How many Classifications have there been?
Five; Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine has been released every five years since 1991.

 1991 Classification (I) – 34 Wines

 1996 Classification (II) - 64 Wines
 2000 Classification (III) – 89 Wines
 2005 Classification (IV) – 101 Wines
 2010 Classification (V) – 123 Wines
Why does Langton’s release a Classification?
Langton’s Classification was first released as a form guide for its clients. It has become increasingly recognised by
the world of fine wine as an ‘unofficial honour roll’ of fine Australian wine. Langton's continue to publish it because
the information and analysis remains of genuine interest to the Australian and international fine wine market.
What are the criteria for inclusion in the Classification?
The Classification works on the essential elements of track record and reputation, both of which are measured
through market presence, consistency, volume of demand and price realisations. A wine must have 10 vintages
made to be considered for the Classification. This principle is designed to allow a wine to build up a track record
and reputation

Wine Show Results

Search criteria:
Exhibitor Name: Parker Coonawarra Estate
Vintage: 2005
Search Results
Show
Wine Company Class Award Score
Year
Parker
2005 Parker Terra
2013 Coonawarra 35 Museum Red Bronze 49.5
First Growth
Estate
Parker
2005 Parker Terra
2012 Coonawarra 30 Museum Red Gold 55.5
Rossa First Growth
Estate
Parker
2005 Terra Rossa
2011 Coonawarra 25 Cabernet Sauvignon Gold 55.5
First Growth
Estate
Parker
2005 Terra Rossa
2010 Coonawarra 25 Cabernet Sauvignon Bronze 49.0
Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate
Parker
2005 Terra Rossa 26 Other Single Red
2010 Coonawarra Bronze 46.5
First Growth Varieties and Blends
Estate
Parker
2009 2005 First Growth Coonawarra 27 Cabernet Sauvignon Gold 56.0
Estate
Parker
28 Other Single Red
2009 2005 Merlot Coonawarra 41.0
Varieties and Blends
Estate
Parker
2005 Terra Rossa
2009 Coonawarra 27 Cabernet Sauvignon Bronze 48.0
Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate
Parker
2008 2005 First Growth Coonawarra 22 Cabernet Sauvignon Gold 55.5
Estate
 Parker
2008 2005 Terra Rossa Coonawarra 22 Cabernet Sauvignon Bronze 46.5
Estate
Parker
2005 Terra Rossa 23 Other Single Red
2008 Coonawarra Bronze 47.0
Merlot Varieties and Blends
Estate
Parker
2005 Terra Rossa
2007 Coonawarra 16 Cabernet Sauvignon Bronze 50.0
Cabernet Sauvignon
Estate
Parker 19 Other Red Blends
2005 Terra Rossa
2007 Coonawarra (Bordeaux Blends eg. Silver 51.0
First Growth
Estate CS/MER)
Parker
2005 Terra Rossa 17 Other Single Red
2007 Coonawarra 43.0
Merlot Varieties and Blends
Estate

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