Elderton’s Wine Range – March 2022
As we’ve mentioned previously, both the 2019 and 2020 vintages were about 60 – 70% down in average yields. If you are interested in our 2019 and 2020 wines, please stock your cellar as the wines are released so that you do not miss out.
If you have any questions about our wines, please contact our Cellar Door team on 08 8568 7878 or by email.
2018 COMMAND SHIRAZ * new vintage *
Command is truly an expression of place, and we are proud to be the current custodians of a rare piece of Barossa Valley viticultural heritage. Single vineyard, planted 1894, the Command block is celebrating 128 years in 2022, and is considered an Ancestor vineyard by the Barossa Old Vine Charter.
Gold Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021
“Take Ancestor Vines (planted in 1894), a great vintage, experienced winemaking, add 30 months of aging in American and French oak, and the result is the stunning 2018 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz. Boasting fabulous density and concentration… a rich, supple yet structured mouthfeel, and a long, mouthwatering finish.”
96 points, Wine Advocate“A great release of Command, this carries the bold and deeply flavorful style of the vintage effortlessly, a vintage that played into the natural style of this rich Barossa Valley shiraz. There’s so much to love about this wine, from the rich blackberry, red-plum and spice aromas and flavors to the silky, fine and long tannins. Floats long on the smooth finish.”
96 points, Nick Stock on JamesSuckling.com
2019 ASHMEAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON * new vintage *In 1997 the family sat down to discuss the viability of a 1944 Cabernet block – its saving grace was simply the pure brilliance of the fruit. It was, and is, always the standout Cabernet block on our Nuriootpa property.
Only 265 x 6-packs produced
“It holds its ripeness with poise, thanks to a vibrant acid line, joining with confident, medium-grained tannins to sustain a very long aftertaste. Dark chocolate French oak has been well played to build endurance without stealing the limelight. A very strong result for Ashmead in this drought season. Bravo.”
95 points, Tyson Stelzer, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
Only 886 bottles have been produced, from the 1915 Shiraz block at our Greenock vineyard. Magnums and 6L also available.
“…very rich dark-plum, blackberry, currant, chocolate and black-fruit aromas, as well as freshly turned dark earth, dark, sweet spices and graphite. The palate has impressive depth with such velvety texture and really rich black-fruit flavors that are so long and dusted with cocoa powder throughout. Speaks to this powerful, dark-fruited section of the Barossa. Drink over the next decade or more.”
96 points, Nick Stock on JamesSuckling.com
2019 ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET, SHIRAZ, MERLOT * new vintage*
Named in honour of Lorraine Ashmead, co-founder of Elderton, the winemaking team at Elderton believe this is truly the hidden gem of our premium reds and one we know cellars brilliantly.
“After a relatively easy-going few years, 2019 was a vintage to remind us that we are actually farmers at the whim of the weather. Owing to the warm and very dry ripening season, fruit flavours are intense and fermentation was managed carefully to ensure balanced tannin extraction. On the palate, you’ll find dark red fruits and cassis with brooding spice and a subtle chocolate note. This wine also boasts a serious tannin profile owing to the vintage, with a boldness of fruit that lengthens the palate.”
Winemaker comments from Jules and Brock
2019 NEIL ASHMEAD GRAND TOURER SHIRAZ
A tribute to an amazing individual who was always willing to push the boundaries of expectations.
“Layers of spicy red and black berry/cherry fruits are well defined on the bouquet. Firm, new French oak asserts its presence on the back palate in both high-cocoa dark chocolate impact and firm, dry tannin grip. It boasts the fruit carry to hold out, making this a Grand Tourer to go the distance.”
93 points, Tyson Stelzer, Halliday Wine Companion“The palate has a very sleek and freshly vivid feel and such attractive build of spice on the finish. This has power with grace and the French oak really works well, as does the aging on lees. Reminiscent of Penfolds RWT and certainly a clear winner in the value stakes.”
93 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
2020 ASHMEAD FAMILY RESERVE FIELD BLEND
*Special Release* *CELLAR DOOR & MAILING LIST ONLY*
Every now and then we have an opportunity to make something truly exceptional, that sits outside of the normal expectations of a style we make.
“Lovely brightness and life in the glass. The aromas are of dark cherries, blueberries, pot-pourri, spice and cedar, there’s a real attractiveness and seductiveness on the nose… The palate has a liveliness and vigour and there is a lovely purity and drive to the fruit flavour.”
95 points, Aaron Brasher, The Real Review
“Here’s an impressive Barossa shiraz that somehow manages to combine regional power with some elegance and style. There is no doubting the rich fruit on display from three estate vineyards with forest berries, dark chocolate and hints of spice all on offer. But there is also some restraint from minerally tannin structure and astutely judged vanillin oak. Very impressive; very stylish, very affordable.”
Winsor Dobbin
2019 BAROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
“The palate has a fresh, elegantly delivered tannin structure with blueberry and cassis flavors and some pastry-like layering at the finish.”
91 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
In 2020 we harvested a small volume from our new plantings of Merlot in Nuriootpa. We are excited to see the quality of this new Merlot parcel as it comes into production. This wine is powerful, with some serious tannin to balance the fruit power of any normal vintage.
2020 BULLET SHIRAZ *CELLAR DOOR & MAILING LIST ONLY*
Having suffered through a small vintage in 2019, and with early forecasting suggesting 2020 was going to be similar, the Elderton team used our local network to source grapes for this label which is exclusive to you, our Commanders and Eldertonians, who are remarkable supporters of the Ashmead family.
“Super fresh lemon and quartzy, flinty elements from this great vintage. So vividly fresh and floral with flavors in the realm of lemon and white peach. Bright, balanced acidity. Still taut with natural acidity, this is an each-way bet. Drink now or hold.”
93 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
As a single site wine, our Eden Valley Chardonnay will always show typicity of the vineyard, whilst varying with what each season brings. We are on a constant learning journey adapting to what the season brings. Our Chardonnay is a serious interpretation, from an excellent vintage.
2021 BAROSSA SEMILLON
This is our third release of dry Semillon, from our Greenock vineyard. The 2021 Barossa Semillon is rich, textural and expressive. A supple and generous palate with creamy weight intertwined with notes of lemon curd, grassy tones and a generous yet vibrant finish.
DUKE OF WELLINGTON CELLAR TAWNY
*CELLAR DOOR & MAILING LIST ONLY*
*Special Release*Duke of Wellington was the name of our tawny port made through the 1980s and we have revived the name for this wine. It is a tribute to Lorraine’s late father (named Wellington, nicknamed Duke) who originally found and bought the Nuriootpa property in the late 1970s.
“A bold, lemon and honey nose with poached-pear, peach and lifted lemon-marmalade notes, as well as bergamot. The acidity holds rich, sweet lime-marmalade flavors in fresh mode. Some pastry to close.”
91 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
If you have any questions about our wines, please contact our Cellar Door team on 08 8568 7878 or by email.
Story from our newsletter, the Elderton Buzz – March 2022 edition
