2022 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 our mum, 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. 

After a cracker vintage in 2021, we approached 2022 with caution, hoping the weather would allow for another great vintage. Sufficient winter rains gave the vines a good start and we escaped some tricky spring storms. The ripening season was mild and we kept a close eye on predicted rain but were lucky to have finished our harvest as the season broke. The Cabernet in the blend comes from a gnarly, spur pruned parcel planted in the 1960s. Typically it delivers structure with a distinct juicy
herbal edge which is certainly showing in our 2022. Tempered with the generosity of Shiraz with some barrel ferment and just a touch of Merlot, the resultant wine is generous and bold with a long, fine tannin line. - Jules Ashmead and Brock Harrison

Alcohol: 14.9

Aroma: Lifted just-ripe plum fruits peppered with that signature bay leaf note

Appearance: Vibrant deep crimson

Taste: Vibrant cassis with sweet spices of cinnamon and clove and hints of earth and forest floor. The tannins are fine and long, clinging on to the fruit.

Mouthfeel: Powerful yet elegant

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

Drink now or cellar confidently for 15+ years