2024 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.

2024 was a vintage that will long be remembered- great winter rains leading into the season, aside from isolated hail events in the Spring, which luckily skipped over our vineyards, there was nothing unusual to concern us. As the ripening phase continued the weather remained cool and dry. The Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend comes from a gnarly, spur pruned parcel planted in the 1960s. Typi-cally it delivers structure with a distinct juicy herbal edge which is certainly showing in our 2024. Our Shiraz, from vines planted in the 50s is pressed off allowing the just a little barrel fermentation to com-plete ferment before MLF. This helps to integrate the oak while allowing the fruit to shine through. A waft of Merlot adds a little polish to the mid palate.

Alcohol: 14.5

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 hints of earth and forest floor, balanced with a pop of fresh herbs. The tannins are fine and lifted on the palate with lovely generosity of red fruits to finish.

Mouthfeel:

Ageing Process: Drink now or cellar confidently for 15+ years

Serving Suggestion:

French puncheons, new and seasoned, 20 months