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  • 95

2001 Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$64. 99
Bottle
$779.88 Dozen
Cellar: 3 - 4 Years (2008-2009)
ABV: 15%
Closure: Cork

This is the 16th vintage of Elderton Command Shiraz since it’s first release in 1984, the only vintages where no Elderton Command was produced being 1989 & 1991. Over the last decade the wine has built it’s reputation as one of Barossa’s icon Shiraz labels, with the 2000 vintage receiving a 97 point rating from Wine Spectator.The Elderton Command Shiraz grapes are grown on a selected portion of the Elderton Estate vineyard, from vines planted in the early 1900’s. 2001 was a great vintage in the Barossa, often likened to that of 1998, where conditions where almost identical. 2001 was a hot and dry year for the early part of the growing season, refreshing rainfall in late March ensured small parcels of exceptional quality Shiraz. The wine was matured in a combination of new American & French oak for approximately 12 months and was then transferred into older oak where it matured for a further 24 months. The wine then spent a further 12 months in bottle before being released.

Tasting Notes: A Classic example of Elderton Command Shiraz with typically pronounced American oak. Very deep crimson colour with deep crimson brick red hue. Aroma of vanilla, spice and mocha followed by a hint of coffee and violets as endnotes. The palate has a velvet smooth texture with layers of vanilla, spice, white pepper, plum and prune. Excellent length and depth, perfectly balanced with very long aftertaste of vanilla, confectionary, chocolate and black pepper. There are also small amounts of stelvin bottled stocks available.
Cellar 3-4 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol: 15%


Other Reviews.....

Barossa Shiraz is an Australian classic. The big wines deliver great gobs of ripe fruit flavor, usually centered on cherries and dark plums with a layer of licorice and other spices that some liken to Christmas pudding. The best ones from this warm region in South Australia find a way to bring this all into balance, even achieving a sense of elegance despite their sheer size and weight. Tannins are usually not overbearing, but the wines have a track record of aging beautifully for years, even decades. For the most part, the 2003 and 2001 bottlings coming out now are richer and more mouthfilling than the 2002s, which are relatively crisp, even tart, the result of a relatively cool growing season.

One of Australia's modern classics, Command is a big Shiraz that does not go over the top. Its silky tannins and rich flavors add up to an arresting wine, a seductive Shiraz that oozes with rich cherry, plum, exotic spice and meat flavors that linger against grace notes of chocolate and espresso. Delicious stuff, and it's built to last. Drink now through 2020.
96 Points
- Harvey Steiman - Wine Spectator


The 2001 Shiraz Command exhibits a slightly more roasted character than the 2002 as well as a hint of espresso in the nose, a touch more alcohol, and more elevated tannin. It also possesses tremendous concentration, intensity, and power, yet remains remarkably well-balanced and pure. This 3,000-case cuvee is one of South Australia’s great classics. It should drink well for 15 years.
95 Points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate # 161 (Oct 2005)