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2004 Elderton Command Shiraz - Museum Release

Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
$99. 99
Bottle
$1199.88 Dozen
Cellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2012-2017)
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Screw Cap

A monumental Command from a great vintage - one for the collectors.

Elderton Command Shiraz is a single vineyard wine that has established a formidable international reputation since the first vintage in 1984. Twenty eight years later, the wine is regarded as one of the great wines of the world. The Elderton vineyard is located on the southern edge of the Nuriootpa township and planted on deep alluvial silt over red and brown earth and limestone. The majority of the rows are orientated east-west (as opposed to the more common orientation of north-south). This enables cooling breezes from the Barossa Ranges to flow through the rows of vines rather than against them. The Command block is planted out with Shiraz vines that are over 100 years old which contributes the monumental layers of flavour and complexity. Tasting Note….
Nearly nine years on, this wine is holding well and showing some obvious tertiary development, as one would expect. The colour is an opaque black dark red with a dark red hue. The nose displays good intensity and lift with liquorice, dark chocolate and toasty vanillin oak to the fore followed by some subtle complexing leather-like notes mingling with hints of spice. Still plenty of voluptuous fruit here as the palate unfolds. An opulent burst of liquorice, black plum, dark chocolate, mocha and toasty vanillin oak fills the mouth with a faint hint of leather and some spice on the back palate. Velvet smooth tannin structure. Superb depth with very long liquorice, toasty vanillin oak, mocha and spice aftertaste.
Spoil yourself now or cellar confidently over the next 4-5 years assured of the zero potential for cork taint (2012-2017).
Alc 14.5% First tasted Febuary 2008.
A superbly structured, refined Command. Very deep black crimson colour with deep crimson hue. Perfumed nose of violets, blackberry and vanilla. Mouthfilling palate – explosive flavours of blackberry, vanilla, spice and confectionary, showing excellent length with refined depth of flavour. Fine firmish tannins, perfect balance. Very long aftertaste of blackberry and vanilla followed by black and white pepper.
Cellar 5-8 years (2013-2016)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
98 Points Other Reviews…
The 2004 Shiraz “Command” comes from a single block of 104-year-old vines. It was aged in 100% new oak puncheons (400 liter barrels). Opaque purple-colored, this Shiraz has fabulous aromatics of smoke, melted tar, licorice, espresso, game, and blueberry compote. Layered but tight, this full-bodied wine is thick, rich, and totally hedonistic. The finish lasts for 60 seconds. However, be warned. This monumental Shiraz needs 10-15 years to fully unfold. It will provide pleasure through 2035.
98 points
Jay Miller – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate