TERRA ROSSA
FIRST GROWTH
1999

WINEMAKERS COMMENTS
Early fruit set and a warm ripening period led to early vintage resulting in small firm berries with a high skin to juice ratio. The aroma is more reserved than the 1998 at release but bottle development will see it emerge with great presence. The excellent fruit condition prompted extended maceration of some parcels producing a complex and robust palate. Fruit tannins are high but balanced with a firm finish. The 1999 is a classic Coonawarra with an outstanding future.

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 135, June 2001
These Pauillac look-alikes from Coonawarra are impressive.
Although outstanding, the 1999 Parker Coonawarra Estate Terra Rossa First Growth is not at the level of the compelling 1998. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it offers a ruby/purple colour as well as a classic bouquet of blackcurrants, cedar and high class French oak. If John- Michel Cazes ( The proprietor of Lynch Bages ) was making wine in Australia, this is what it would taste like-deep and full bodied, with attractively integrated acidity, tannin and alcohol. Anticipated maturity: 2003 - 2020. 92/100

Ralph Kyte-Powell. The Age ‘Epicure’ September 11 2001
Parker’s First Growth is one of Coonawarra’s greatest cabernet-based reds. The 1999 has dense colour and a tight, closed-up nose of concentrated blackcurrant , spiced plum and cedar aromas. The immature palate is dense and long in fruit flavour, with satiny texture and fine tannins. Still somewhat oak-dominated, time will make it a classic.

Winestate Magazine September 2001
Ripe plums/briary fruit and violet. Good juicy fruit flavours and intense chewy tannins. Very long without being tough.

Ralph Kyte- Powell/Huon Hooke – The Age/Sydney Morning Herald ‘Uncorked’ May 2002
This Cabernet blend is consistently one of Coonawarra’s aristocrats.
It has pristine Cabernet character on the nose: blackcurrant, florals, mint, cedar and leafy austerity. The intense palate has notable oak input, typically long aftertaste and fine-grained tannins.
Food: Marinated leg of lamb
Ageing: one to six years

Andrew Caillard MW – Langtons Fine Wine Investment Guide 5th edition
Deep Crimson. Beautifully perfumed chocolate/blackcurrant/cedar/mocha aromas. Seriously concentrated wine with incredibly deep blackcurrant/inky/mocha flavours. Plenty of new savoury oak. Pronounced but fine grained fruit and sweet oak tannins, immense fruit power and length. Lovely wine with plenty of cellaring potential.
Score - 100 2006 - 2015