2021 Ode to Lorraine

The winemaking team at Elderton believe this is truly the hidden gem in the Elderton portfolio of premium reds. A Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot blend was added to our portfolio from the 1992 vintage. It was a belief that through blending only the best parcels of fruit from the Elderton vineyard, a truly wondrous and complete wine could be made that showed the highlights of the three grape varieties.

The decision was made from the 2002 vintage onwards for the wine to be renamed (from CSM) in honour of co-founder of Elderton Wines, Lorraine Ashmead. This wine is dedicated to a woman who is greatly admired in the Barossa for her passion, dedication and commitment to not only Elderton, but to all the wonders that make our beautiful valley so special.

2021 came as a welcome relief after the dry years prior. We received decent winter rains and aside from a very mild frost in September 2020, the growing season continued without fault. Our Cabernet Sauvignon, the backbone of this wine, has the most distinctive characters of dried sage and cassis which in the exceptional years is truly amazing. Our Shiraz comes from two parcels, which were fermented using a combination of heading boards and open fermentation. We incorporated a portion of barrel fermentation ensuring best integration of oak. The final blend was assembled just prior to botting, ensuring the Cabernet Sauvignon tannin structure (assertive and long) was balanced with the fruit drive and density of old vine Shiraz, with a touch of spice and softness from the Merlot. - Jules & Brock

Alcohol: 14.90%

Aroma: Brooding red and dark fruits with notes of bay leaf

Appearance: Vibrant deep crimson

Taste: Vibrant cassis with sweet spices of cinnamon and clove and hints of rich dark chocolate. The tannins are fine and long, balanced with sweet fruit, they dance in unison on the palate.

Mouthfeel: Powerful yet elegant

Ageing Process: French puncheons, new and seasoned, 20 months

Drink now or cellar confidently for 15+ years