2014 Elderton Command Shiraz

Elderton Command Shiraz is a single vineyard wine that has established a formidable international reputation since the first vintage in 1984. The Command 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 120 years old which contributes the monumental layers of flavour and complexity. Matured in a combination of new American and French oak puncheons for 30 months and then given a further 12 months bottle age before being released.

Rich, warm and generous. Sexy is back with this classically styled Command.

Totally opaque midnight black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. Heady scents of ripe dark plums, liquorice, blackberries and dark chocolate impress with their power over a background of vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice. The palate is old school Elderton Command at its best, sporting a dense voluptuous texture along with enormous fruit richness. Opulent flavours of ripe dark plums, blackberries, liquorice and dark chocolate supplely kiss the palate with an undercard of toasty vanillin oak, subtle earth, traces of bacon fat and spicy mocha. Silky smooth, cashmere like tannins. Magnificent length and persistence with a very long ripe dark plum, liquorice, dark chocolate, spicy toasted vanillin oak and earthy mocha aftertaste.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Hewn of 1894 ancient vine oomph and tannin management of aplomb, this is power corseted by a filmy, gossamer texture and sheer, strident vinosity. Put it this way, the wine could come from nowhere else, yet the overall impression is one of Elderton's newfound restraint. Oodles of dark fruit, anise, tar, camphor and a Cadbury milk chocolate creaminess coat the palate. There is a barrel ferment smokiness, too. The extraction levels are a point; the use of French and American oak sensitive. All is in a harmony and perfectly suited to the style. Drink by 2040.
97 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Wine Companion