The current release, 2003, is an excellent wine, but this vintage kicks it up a notch. It’s brighter, fresher and more vibrant than its amply endowed precursor, bursting with peppery raspberries. Creamy and rich, yet wonderfully balanced, and while you could drink it now, it will also cellar well for 10-plus years.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
The gang went wild for the Command Shiraz—every reviewer called it "mouthfilling" (yes, really, they all wrote that very word). Though its trademark seems to be juicy, almost jammy blackberry fruit, this Shiraz also had a sweet graham-cracker-meets-chocolate note on the nose, and chocolate and caramel highlighting the berry-laden palate. Finishes long, with a…
— W.E.
(11/1/2001)
Despite a tough vintage, this is a lush, complete wine. Vanilla and cedar notes on the nose serve to accent the layers of intense—verging on syrupy—blackberry fruit. It’s easy enough to drink now, but rich enough that you may want to hold it another couple of years. Just don’t expect this one to age more than a decade.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
Past vintages of Elderton wines have been heavily oaked, and this wine is no exception—plenty of cedary, vanilla-laden aromas burst from the glass. But they’re well balanced by crisp cassis flavors that turn chocolaty on the finish, where they also pick up a hint of tobacco. Delicious now, but it should drink well until at least 2014.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
This blend of 57% Cabernet, 27% Shiraz and 16% Merlot is a barrel selection, named for the family matriarch. It’s amply oaked, roaring forth with smoke, toast and vanilla, but there’s also a tight core of mixed berry fruit and a long finish. Give it 2–3 years.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
From vines approximately 40 years of age, this is quintessential Barossa Shiraz, offering hints of mint and chocolate layered over a base of ripe cassis. It’s approachable now, thanks to the soft tannins on the lush finish.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
Elderton is making classically styled Barossa Shiraz, marrying raspberry fruit with rich chocolaty overtones and wrapping them in a soft cocoon of supple tannins and balanced acidity. Drink now–2014.
— J.C.
(3/1/2010)
Has aromas of dried spice, and red plum and cherries. Tastes Barossa, with a caramelly, oaky overlay melting into fleshy plum fruit on the paalte. Finishes with toffee and caramel. A juicy, tasty wine.
— D.T.
(5/1/2004)