2018 Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz

Since the inaugural 1984 vintage Elderton Command Shiraz has established a formidable international reputation. Planted in 1894 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. Maturation takes place in a combination of new American and French oak puncheons for 30 months, the wine is then given a further 12 months bottle age before being released.
Dense midnight black in colour with a deep dark red black hue. Wafting from the glass are intense dark plum, liquorice and blackberry aromatics which are complimented by lightly toasted vanillin oak, mocha and spice. Rich, incredibly powerful, flamboyant and possessing a liquid silk like texture, the full bodied palate is saturated with lavish dark plum, liquorice and blackberry fruits which are carried by cashmere like tannins. Lying underneath are vanillin oak, earthy mocha, dark chocolate and spice characters. Exceptional depth and intensity with a very long and voluptuous conclusion.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.6%

Other Reviews….
Take Ancestor Vines (planted in 1894), a great vintage, experienced winemaking, add 30 months of aging in American and French oak, and the result is the stunning 2018 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz. Boasting fabulous density and concentration, this full-bodied effort is still almost embryonic in its development, with tarry, mocha, yet lifted notes accenting intense blackberry fruit; a rich, supple yet structured mouthfeel, and a long, mouthwatering finish. Once it hits its stride in a few years, it should drink well for 20 years or more. Drink 2023-2045.
96 points
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

A great release of Command, this carries the bold and deeply flavorful style of the vintage effortlessly, a vintage that played into the natural style of this rich Barossa Valley shiraz. There’s so much to love about this wine, from the rich blackberry, red-plum and spice aromas and flavors to the silky, fine and long tannins. Floats long on the smooth finish. Drink over the next decade and more. Screw cap.
96 points
JamesSuckling.com