2012 Elderton Command Shiraz

Opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. It doesn’t have the density of some earlier vintages. Pronounced aromatics of dark plum, liquorice and some dark chocolate are followed by toasty vanillin oak and spice. Possessing abundant richness the palate is not as heavy or concentrated as expected, seemingly having been toned down. Mouthfilling flavours of dark plum and liquorice dominate over nuances of toasty vanillin oak, mocha and spice. Velvet smooth tannins. Finishes long with an aftertaste of dark plum, liquorice, subtlety toasted vanillin oak and spice. A more elegant version of Command.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews….
From a vineyard planted in 1894, picked in five small parcels over 4 weeks; part fermented in open fermenters, part concluding its fermentation in new American and French puncheons. Command indeed; elegant, but brooking no argument, the X-factor of the fruit at once obvious, yet undefinable; certain it is that its balance and depth are beyond approach, the oak and tannins seamlessly stitched through the fruit and length of the palate. Drink by 2050.
97 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion