2001 Elderton "Command" Shiraz Barossa Valley
This is a big Shiraz that does not go over the top. Team is just immersed in this wine's aromas - leading with coffee and cherry scents, and followed by a violet and other white flowers, blackberries, oak, butter and sweet spices(pepper, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla) and tones of fresh pumkins. On palate, twist of softness/strength, elegance/ power, finishes long and alcohol (at ABV 15%) is very agreeable and balance. Quite perfect.
Elderton Command Shiraz is a classic, old-vine Barossa Shiraz first made in 1984 from a single, low-yielding block planted in the 1890s on the banks of the North Para River at Nuriootpa. The vines are anchored in deep, alluvial silt over red-brown earths and limestone. Command Shiraz is typified by raspberry, blackberry, dark chocolate, meaty, aniseed aromas and flavours, pronounced chalky, firm tannin structures, plenty of mid-palate richness and underlying integrated oak. Command has won many international accolades, appearing twice in (U.S.) Wine Spectator’s annual Top 100 and winning the trophy for Best Shiraz in the World at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London.
Scores are very high.
96 points Wine Spectator
Silky tannins and rich flavors add up to an arresting wine, a seductive Shiraz that oozes with rich cherry, plum, exotic spice and meat flavors that linger against grace notes of chocolate and espresso. Delicious stuff, and it's built to last. Drink now through 2020. (9/2005)
95 points+ Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2001 Shiraz Command exhibits a slightly more roasted character than the 2002 as well as a hint of espresso in the nose, a touch more alcohol, and more elevated tannin. It also possesses tremendous concentration, intensity, and power, yet remains remarkably well-balanced and pure. This 3,000-case cuvee is one of South Australia’s great classics. It should drink well for 15 years. 95+ points. (RP) (10/2005)
