Elderton’s Barossa wine range – March 2021
1 March saw the global release of the 2017 Command Shiraz. Normally at this time of year, we also release the new vintage of Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon as well, but the 2018 vintage was not produced. So we are releasing the 2015 Ashmead as a museum wine in this edition of the Buzz. This is alongside recent new vintage releases that we’ve shared by email or in Cellar Door including the Neil Ashmead Grand Tourer Shiraz, Barossa Shiraz, Eden Valley Chardonnay and Golden Semillon.
And just a reminder, 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.
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 127 years in 2021, and is considered an Ancestor vineyard by the Barossa Old Vine Charter.
“This does command respect thanks to the fruit coming off 123yo vines and the care with it from that moment right through to the winemaking. It is powerful and divine. Lush with the dark fruit coated with chocolate, pepper and coffee. The palate feels all velvety with the tannins neatly placed, the oak integrated and with a glass in hand, a sense that all’s well with the world.”
96 points, Halliday Wine Companion
2015 ASHMEAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON
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. With no 2018 vintage made, we hope you enjoy this museum release.
“Boy, this is one of the best I have tasted of this classic Barossa old-vine cabernet sauvignon. Such a seamless and elegant wine, with true varietal cabernet of a type you only get in the very best vintages.”
97 points, Ray Jordan, The West Australian
Only 1127 bottles produced.
“…a very fresh delivery of ultra-ripe dark-berry and plum aromas, as well as chocolate and currants with some orange peel and asphalt. The palate is immensely concentrated and has very rich dark-plum, blackberry and chocolate flavors with a streak of roasted coffee and graphite at the finish. This is very rich, very intense and very deeply fruited with bold tannin architecture.”
97 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
2017 ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET, SHIRAZ, MERLOT
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.
“A glorious, superbly blended trio… It is heady with violets, cassis and woodsy spices. The full-bodied palate impresses with its gloss, its detail, neat acidity and firm tannins informing of its ageing potential. Harmony in a glass.”
96 points + special value for money, Halliday Wine Companion“The aromas here are very expressive with ripe black cherries, raspberries and blackcurrants, as well as violets, blackberries and black-tea notes. The palate has ample flavor and structure with such deep, driving tannin and a seamless texture. Very compelling style that trades on the prowess of cabernet structure and freshness with some deep, shiraz richness.”
94 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
2018 NEIL ASHMEAD GRAND TOURER SHIRAZ
A tribute to an amazing individual who was always willing to push the boundaries of expectations.
“The Barossa stamp is firm and clear. Chocolate and smoke, soused black plums. Char-grilled meat flavours and all manner of spices. It’s rich and full-bodied…”
93 points, Halliday Wine Companion“This has aromas of currants, blackberries, spiced bread, orange peel, red plums and espresso. The palate delivers blueberries, laced with espresso and velvety tannins. The texture is very supple and smooth, building into a creamy and fleshy presence at the finish.”
93 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
*Special Release*
Available through Cellar Door or our online shop only. 1146 bottles produced.
“The wine is intensely aromatic on the nose showing black/blueberry, vanillin oak, olive and warm spice aromas, leading to a magnificently weighted palate that’s richly expressed with plush texture and expansive mouthfeel. A sumptuous shiraz, superbly structured by beautifully melded tannins and outstanding power.”
96 points, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
2019 WESTERN RIDGE GRENACHE CARIGNAN
“There is something about this blend. It makes you sit up, take notice and relish the flavours and lightness of touch. And yet, there’s laser precision to the acidity, the grainy tannins in tow, the gorgeous red fruit and spice flavours. It’s the Barossa without the boom. Lovely wine.”
95 points, Halliday Wine Companion
“There’s rich and intense fruit on offer here, from raspberries to red plums to blackberries and assertive American-oak influence. The palate has a very rich and plush feel with bold, fleshy blackberry flavors, as well as some chocolate, smoked meat and spice.”
91 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
2018 BAROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON
“…aromas of violets, blueberries, black cherries and dark berry pastry with attractive, cedar and fresh-tobacco notes. The palate offers very attractive chocolate, plum paste and licorice. Smoothly layered tannins with blueberry flavor and a little oak spice to close. Great concentration.”
93 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
This has bright red-plum and blackcurrant aromas with some blue flowers, too. The palate has a smooth, velvety core of blueberries. Plenty of depth and blueberry flavor. Fresh and quite concentrated finish.
91 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
“Attractive fresh raspberries and blackberries here, as well as some bergamot and black-tea notes. Then darker berries and earthy notes. The palate has an attractive blue-fruit thread with some crunchy red berries and light spice. Smooth and even.”
91 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
It is hard to argue that the world isn’t going through a Rosé revolution at present – perfect for backyard barbecues through to fine dining restaurants, this is a sophisticated dry Rosé that has been wonderfully crafted to enjoy in any setting.
This has a very fresh nose with some leafy and lemon-peel notes, as well as crushed stones. The palate has a bright, crisp and taut feel with dry, lime and lemon flavor. Taut finish. Young plantings of the estate’s Craneford Vineyard.
92 points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
Generous rockmelon and ripe peach are supported by well-rounded acidity. Additional layers of texture from battonage and enticing creamy toasty oak from barrel fermentation, further enhances the impressive core of fruit, leading to a long finish.
Winemaker’s comments, Brock Harrison
“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 2021 edition
