Uncorked 90 minutes before drinking without food. Threw off moderate sediment. Medium strength aromas and intriguing notes of old splintered cedar, raspberry, toffee, coffee, dust, root beer, and graphite. On the palate, it’s full-bodied with an unctuous, glycerin texture riding on mostly resolved tannins to a slightly drying 20 second+ finish. Could probably last another 5-10 yrs so will definitely wait to drink my other 2 bottles. Recommend drinking at cooler temps and with some grilled meats or cheeses.
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This bottle had crystals on the cork, and wine bled almost to the top of the cork, but did not affect the taste. After about nearly 2 hours decanting, it was quite lovely. The bouquet was reminiscent of that empty glass scent that we always enjoy...perfumy and nicely balanced. Soft finish, complicated flavors, and still showing lots of life.
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Dark ruby red in color, with some bricking showing on sides. Notes of pepper, red fruit, leather, and spices. Dry, med body, med acidity, smooth tannins. This wine could go for many more years but drinking very well right now. This is a very elegant wine and could go head to head with any old world wine.
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Cork barely coloured at tip and wine young and vibrant still with years ahead. Acid,tannins & fruit smooth and harmonious with a lovely long final palate.
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Still drinking V well I always double decanter older wines and it brings them back to life. Still lots of fruit and I have lots of other years of same wine to enjoy. Do you have to drink with food?
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Opaque purple, big nose of mint, licorice and leather and silky rich palate of eucalyptus, blueberry and cassis. This really improved with time in the bottle, gaining elegance and smoothing out. Long finish. A bit over the top but very enjoyable. Doesn't seem like it will improve but will likely hold here for a good while.
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A single vineyard from a reputable producer in South Australia, this 20 years old Shiraz from Barossa Valley is showing apparent signs of deterioration. After being opened and poured for 2 hours, the fruit level remains low with only noticeable vanilla oak type of secondary flavour showing. The perceived apparent mouth feel of alcohol suggests it has past its best. With my given optimum index as -60%, which this means that the same bottle would have been at its best maturity state if it was drank 3-4 years back. Now i should go for those in the early 20s! #elderton #commandshiraz
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It's true! This wine is one you can hang onto for 20 years. A more and more rare opportunity these days of aging on the way home from the store in the car. Shared with Dear Old Dad (and Aussie Shiraz fan, but he typically drinks boxed wine). This one had compacted down to the essence of smoke, minerals, baked chocolate, and only a hint of dark fruit (plums?). Amazing aged wine experience.
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Still a very dark purple for an almost 17 year old. Really aromatic - licorice allsorts and dark fruits on the nose. Similar in the mouth, but with chocolate and some herbs poking through after some time in the decanter. Not overly complex but thick and decadent. If you don't like licorice bullets though, you'll probably want to give this a miss. Interesting. Drinking well now, but no rush. Who said Command doesn't age?
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P&P. Cork is beautifully stained progressively up leaving good cork the last few centimeters, smells of pipe tobacco. Cool. Dark and expensive looking in the glass with no hint of her age. Sweet Barossa nose, some of that tabacco coming through, this should open up nicely. Beautiful entry and palate feel, "i am here" kinda thing. Leather, toast oak, black tea, tobacco earth on the palate, fruit builds up behind, crisp acid fruit attack and then a lingering finish. Tannins are there tamed at the moment. Less see what a few hours does.
Day II - Nose is a bit astringent, oak, leather. Not as nice as Day I. The palate is weightier, richer, that Command chocolate cake thing. Likey. Finish is a bit tight, acid still kickn', some Early Gray tea on the back of a deep fruit rich finish. Got the Bourbon oak as well now, Just a yummy, yummy wine & so well made.
The Professional notes and points are interesting here. The really all missed this wine, scoring it an 89 on average. CT'ers have figured it out that it is a beauty now, perhaps an ugly ducking. Cool thing is that it killer the second market, making it a great deal on auction. This baby has years ahead of it.
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Big as usual. Deep purple black. Alch is huge on the massive fruit nose. Liquid Chocolate, black bramble fruit, Young as hell, rich Barossa fruit. A bit massive & young, but fruit, tannin & acids all in perfect balance 13 years on. Sutff to age well. A damn good effort, and best ahead.
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Dinner Party @ Chez Ehrenreich: David paired the Elderton with the Cheese Course selected by Jamie,Sun.set Corners. We reminisced of our vist to Tunanda during the Marlin's 1997 World Series run. And our eerie visit to the POE like Chateau du Vin, in the Adelaide Hills. The Command was very smooth, and not over the top. Has always been one of my favorite Aussie/Barossa Shiraz'.
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Well matured Barossa Shiraz; intense, deep and harmonious, complex (eucalyptus, leather, coca, warm oak, sandalwood, the finest vanilla, dried plums); powerful structure and good weight, juicy and round; lovely length, complete finish.
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Excellent wine. 5th of 6 bottles bought on release, and the best so far. Oak has integrated very well over time and was not as evident as I was expecting.
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At The Ivy. A garnet rim but a very dense youthful body; on opening was a bit medicinal on the nose; this dissipated after decanting: raisin and near-prune with old oak on the nose; medium+ body which actually developed from very smooth to slightly tannic over the meal; good length. Age didn't seem to have added a lot of complexity here yet but with the intensity of the fruit and that little bit of tannin it's got plenty of room to develop even now.
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tonsta (11/19/2006) is right on; this is is a huge wine that will only get better with another year or two (or more) of cellar time. But damn, is it good right now, with a couple hours of decanting of course. Powerful, full throttle shiraz that, the longer it aired out, became more integrated and even more of a delight to drink. The taste of blackberry, spice, and a mega helping of black pepper on the palate was clearly evident and the finish is as about as long as any shiraz I've had. A killer wine that would pair perfectly with lamb or any kind of game meat like elk. Great drop!
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Double-decanted and left for about 15mins. Massive wine, huge weight and plenty of concentration (and oak as you'd expect) - not one for the faint hearted! A little unbalanced at first, I felt as thought the oak needed more time to integrate with the fruit (or visa versa). When she finally opened up a much better (more drinkable) wine was the result. I got black pepper, licorice, leather and dark fruit on the palate. Finish lasted about 45 sec. This vintage still has many years ahead of it and I will not open my other bottle till at least 2010!
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The most mint nose I have ever had. Though the taste was much more complex with solid fruit and acid. Good amount of time left on this, very good. Red fruit, mint and chocolate.
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7/15/2022 - wine247365 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Uncorked 90 minutes before drinking without food. Threw off moderate sediment. Medium strength aromas and intriguing notes of old splintered cedar, raspberry, toffee, coffee, dust, root beer, and graphite. On the palate, it’s full-bodied with an unctuous, glycerin texture riding on mostly resolved tannins to a slightly drying 20 second+ finish. Could probably last another 5-10 yrs so will definitely wait to drink my other 2 bottles. Recommend drinking at cooler temps and with some grilled meats or cheeses.
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6/8/2021 - Jeff Jacob wrote:
Friggin awesome. Could even stand a few more years
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1/23/2021 - Meeshka Likes this wine: 92 Points
This bottle had crystals on the cork, and wine bled almost to the top of the cork, but did not affect the taste. After about nearly 2 hours decanting, it was quite lovely. The bouquet was reminiscent of that empty glass scent that we always enjoy...perfumy and nicely balanced. Soft finish, complicated flavors, and still showing lots of life.
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1/13/2021 - rgawlowski Likes this wine: 94 Points
Excellent and still has some life; deep ruby color, good clarity, lively fruit; same excellent balance.
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12/2/2020 - rexmerlot wrote: 95 Points
Dark ruby red in color, with some bricking showing on sides. Notes of pepper, red fruit, leather, and spices. Dry, med body, med acidity, smooth tannins. This wine could go for many more years but drinking very well right now. This is a very elegant wine and could go head to head with any old world wine.
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6/1/2020 - ken.payne wrote: 98 Points
Cork barely coloured at tip and wine young and vibrant still with years ahead. Acid,tannins & fruit smooth and harmonious with a lovely long final palate.
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1/7/2018 - starwalk wrote: 90 Points
Still drinking V well I always double decanter older wines and it brings them back to life. Still lots of fruit and I have lots of other years of same wine to enjoy. Do you have to drink with food?
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12/30/2017 - Munch Likes this wine: 94 Points
Opaque purple, big nose of mint, licorice and leather and silky rich palate of eucalyptus, blueberry and cassis. This really improved with time in the bottle, gaining elegance and smoothing out. Long finish. A bit over the top but very enjoyable. Doesn't seem like it will improve but will likely hold here for a good while.
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8/25/2016 - den8 wrote: 91 Points
A single vineyard from a reputable producer in South Australia, this 20 years old Shiraz from Barossa Valley is showing apparent signs of deterioration. After being opened and poured for 2 hours, the fruit level remains low with only noticeable vanilla oak type of secondary flavour showing. The perceived apparent mouth feel of alcohol suggests it has past its best. With my given optimum index as -60%, which this means that the same bottle would have been at its best maturity state if it was drank 3-4 years back. Now i should go for those in the early 20s! #elderton #commandshiraz
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8/3/2015 - TallMikeWine Likes this wine: 93 Points
It's true! This wine is one you can hang onto for 20 years. A more and more rare opportunity these days of aging on the way home from the store in the car. Shared with Dear Old Dad (and Aussie Shiraz fan, but he typically drinks boxed wine). This one had compacted down to the essence of smoke, minerals, baked chocolate, and only a hint of dark fruit (plums?). Amazing aged wine experience.
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1/16/2014 - Giggs wrote: 91 Points
Quality wine, sure, but it's the more professional and slightly more boring older brother of the 1998. This is on the downward slope.
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1/16/2014 - ctjared Likes this wine:
Not sure it isn't past its prime, but has all of the classic elements of Elderton.
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12/16/2012 - azzah wrote: 92 Points
Still a very dark purple for an almost 17 year old. Really aromatic - licorice allsorts and dark fruits on the nose. Similar in the mouth, but with chocolate and some herbs poking through after some time in the decanter. Not overly complex but thick and decadent. If you don't like licorice bullets though, you'll probably want to give this a miss. Interesting. Drinking well now, but no rush. Who said Command doesn't age?
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8/28/2011 - bundydavis wrote: 94 Points
Still my favorite Australian Shiraz. This wine never disappoints no matter the vintage.
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6/4/2011 - tplskylrk wrote: 92 Points
P&P. Cork is beautifully stained progressively up leaving good cork the last few centimeters, smells of pipe tobacco. Cool. Dark and expensive looking in the glass with no hint of her age. Sweet Barossa nose, some of that tabacco coming through, this should open up nicely. Beautiful entry and palate feel, "i am here" kinda thing. Leather, toast oak, black tea, tobacco earth on the palate, fruit builds up behind, crisp acid fruit attack and then a lingering finish. Tannins are there tamed at the moment. Less see what a few hours does.
Day II - Nose is a bit astringent, oak, leather. Not as nice as Day I. The palate is weightier, richer, that Command chocolate cake thing. Likey. Finish is a bit tight, acid still kickn', some Early Gray tea on the back of a deep fruit rich finish. Got the Bourbon oak as well now, Just a yummy, yummy wine & so well made.
The Professional notes and points are interesting here. The really all missed this wine, scoring it an 89 on average. CT'ers have figured it out that it is a beauty now, perhaps an ugly ducking. Cool thing is that it killer the second market, making it a great deal on auction. This baby has years ahead of it.
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6/26/2010 - bundydavis wrote: 95 Points
One hour decant. Wine was just signing tonight. Still so much life left.
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6/20/2010 - Cobbster wrote: 92 Points
The 96' still has the smoked fruit noted in my last tasting. Paired with Black Rasberry Chip ice cream from Swings N' Things Ice Cream Shop. Wow.
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3/29/2010 - jsherdc wrote: 93 Points
Very smooth and balanced. Blackberry, chocolate and plum. Best Passover wine ever! 92/93.
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2/7/2010 - bundydavis wrote: 94 Points
This wine was singing. Well rounded and smooth tannins. Just a pleasure from one of my favorite producers.
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10/3/2009 - Cobbster wrote: 92 Points
Nose of eucalyptus and dark fruit. Rich smoked fruit flavors.
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3/14/2009 - tplskylrk wrote: 92 Points
Big as usual. Deep purple black. Alch is huge on the massive fruit nose. Liquid Chocolate, black bramble fruit, Young as hell, rich Barossa fruit. A bit massive & young, but fruit, tannin & acids all in perfect balance 13 years on. Sutff to age well. A damn good effort, and best ahead.
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2/14/2009 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 93 Points
Dinner Party @ Chez Ehrenreich: David paired the Elderton with the Cheese Course selected by Jamie,Sun.set Corners. We reminisced of our vist to Tunanda during the Marlin's 1997 World Series run. And our eerie visit to the POE like Chateau du Vin, in the Adelaide Hills. The Command was very smooth, and not over the top. Has always been one of my favorite Aussie/Barossa Shiraz'.
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12/28/2008 - Xavier Auerbach wrote: 93 Points
Well matured Barossa Shiraz; intense, deep and harmonious, complex (eucalyptus, leather, coca, warm oak, sandalwood, the finest vanilla, dried plums); powerful structure and good weight, juicy and round; lovely length, complete finish.
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10/10/2008 - rowen wrote: 95 Points
Excellent wine. 5th of 6 bottles bought on release, and the best so far. Oak has integrated very well over time and was not as evident as I was expecting.
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8/12/2007 - rob1869 wrote: 91 Points
At The Ivy. A garnet rim but a very dense youthful body; on opening was a bit medicinal on the nose; this dissipated after decanting: raisin and near-prune with old oak on the nose; medium+ body which actually developed from very smooth to slightly tannic over the meal; good length. Age didn't seem to have added a lot of complexity here yet but with the intensity of the fruit and that little bit of tannin it's got plenty of room to develop even now.
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6/4/2007 - DuckfaninMT wrote: 95 Points
tonsta (11/19/2006) is right on; this is is a huge wine that will only get better with another year or two (or more) of cellar time. But damn, is it good right now, with a couple hours of decanting of course. Powerful, full throttle shiraz that, the longer it aired out, became more integrated and even more of a delight to drink. The taste of blackberry, spice, and a mega helping of black pepper on the palate was clearly evident and the finish is as about as long as any shiraz I've had. A killer wine that would pair perfectly with lamb or any kind of game meat like elk. Great drop!
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11/19/2006 - tonsta wrote: 92 Points
Double-decanted and left for about 15mins. Massive wine, huge weight and plenty of concentration (and oak as you'd expect) - not one for the faint hearted! A little unbalanced at first, I felt as thought the oak needed more time to integrate with the fruit (or visa versa). When she finally opened up a much better (more drinkable) wine was the result. I got black pepper, licorice, leather and dark fruit on the palate. Finish lasted about 45 sec. This vintage still has many years ahead of it and I will not open my other bottle till at least 2010!
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11/1/2006 - cadamson wrote: 94 Points
The most mint nose I have ever had. Though the taste was much more complex with solid fruit and acid. Good amount of time left on this, very good. Red fruit, mint and chocolate.
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