Elderton was founded by Neil and Lorraine Ashmead in 1982, and is now run by their sons, Allister and Cameron. Built around the famous Command vineyard in the centre of Nuriootpa, Elderton also has its own vineyards in Greenock and the Eden Valley. Julie Ashmead leads the winemaking and viticulture teams in crafting distinctly classic, yet refined, Barossa reds that live up to the estate’s history and world class quality.
Elderton Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
From 75yo estate vines in Nuriootpa. Matured 18 months in new French oak hogsheads and puncheons. Old vines have upheld integrity in crunchy redcurrant and pomegranate fruit, even rosehip lift and red capsicum varietal markers. It holds its ripeness with poise, thanks to a vibrant acid line, joining with confident, medium-grained tannins to sustain a very long aftertaste. Dark chocolate French oak has been well played to build endurance without stealing the limelight. A very strong result for Ashmead in this drought season. Bravo.
Rating: 95 Points
Source: Tyson Stelzer, Halliday Wine Companion 2022
Elderton Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Cabernet grown on 75-year-old vines, matured in French oak, 100% new (so far as I can tell). Ashmead by name, command by nature. This stakes its claim on quality firmly and squarely. Dense-but fresh blackcurrant, mint, redcurrant and boysenberry, with cedarwood oak integrated to perfection. It’s slippery-smooth and soft, despite its density; it’s fresh with acidity and licoricey through the finish. It was a hot season but this feels pitch perfect.
Rating : 94 Points
Source: Gary Walsh, The Winefront
