97 points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
The 2024 Sixfold Shiraz is sourced from the newly acquired (2022) Mengler's Hill site in Eden Valley. It is a spectacular spot, with sweeping views of the Eden Valley and the Barossa Valley floor below. It's easy to see why high-quality grapes grow here, despite the obvious challenge with water. The vineyard—planted on ancient sandy soils scattered with quartz and granite—was established in 1941 and is at 500 meters above sea level. Harvested between 23 March and 4 April 2024, the fruit was handpicked, destemmed and chilled prior to fermentation. Small parcels were fermented separately, including one in an upright French oak puncheon and another in a concrete tulip fermenter, reflecting the site’s differing aspects and exposures. Maturation took place in a combination of new and two-year-old French oak during malolactic fermentation and élevage. Gentle handling, with minimal intervention and extensive use of gravity, has preserved the site's reputation for producing fruit of purity and character. This limited release comprises just 1,866 bottles. The wine leads with cassis and blueberry, graphite, licorice and dried herbs. There's a typical Eden Valley rose petal note too. The tannins make for structural yet supple drinking, and the wine feels abundantly smooth and silky through the long finish. I love the Eden Valley for its perfume, depth, freshness and intensity, and this wine is the perfect reflection of those attributes; it's just gorgeous. 14.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
97 points, Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
This is from a vineyard on the slopes of Mengler Hill in the Barossa, planted in 1941 and acquired by the Ashmead family towards the end of 2022. It’s a single vineyard Shiraz, which now has the advantage of some seriously old vines. Colour is deep red with purple hues and the aroma just brimming with spices, black olive, dark plum, and subtle floral notes. The palate is delicious. It’s a mix of red fruits with deeper ripe plummy notes. There’s a slightly peppery, grainy feel on the palate which is well-structured and impeccably balanced. This is an exciting release for Elderton.
96 Points, Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
A new wine from the team at Elderton is certain to elicit serious interest from wine lovers. The fruit comes from their newest vineyard which sits on top of Mengler Hill in Eden Valley and is their first single vineyard Shiraz from that region. The name refers to the six children in the third generation of the Ashmead family, and good luck explaining that when the seventh arrives. The oldest vines in this particular vineyard date back to 1941. Maturation is in a combination of new and older French oak. Just 1,866 bottles released. Dark maroon with a vibrant purple rim, there is a gorgeous nose, redolent of chocolate, mocha, cassis, plums, blackcurrants, vanillin oak and aniseed. Love it. Seductive texture is combined with serious underlying power with a fine line of acidity running the full journey. The wine really does have brilliant length and finishes with silky tannins. Enjoy this over the next fifteen years without hesitation.
A cracker.
