Elderton Command Shiraz 2023
- 97
- $150
- Drink by: 2026-2051
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One of the most iconic Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, the first vintage was 1984. The release of this wine is always eagerly awaited. From a Nuriootpa Vineyard, the vines are now 132 years of age. Maturation was in a mix of new French and American oak puncheons for twenty-three months. Opaque maroon with a dark crimson rim, it offers a most evocative nose. Seriously impressive oak integration, we have aromas of chocolate, blackberries, mocha, cocoa powder, bay leaves, vanilla, coffee beans, charcuterie, cloves and a flick of gum leaf. Exhibiting a supple and seductive texture through to satiny tannins, this is beautifully balanced with great length. A wonderful Barossa Shiraz for enjoying over the next twenty to twenty-five years. At the moment, I have it scored at the same level as the stunning 2022 vintage of this wine, however, if pushed I would probably go for the older wine by a whisker. Whether that remains so over time, we look forward to finding out.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
