Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Merlot (2000)

About this wine

The 2000 Elderton CSM from Barossa Valley is a robust red blend that showcases the region's winemaking prowess. This wine offers a deep crimson color with a brick red hue, indicating its maturity. On the nose, it presents aromas of spice, stewed fruit, cedar, and leather, reflecting its age and complexity. The palate is rich and full-bodied, featuring flavors of plum, stewed fruit, and leather, complemented by notes of cedar and licorice. Fine-grained tannins provide excellent balance, leading to a lingering aftertaste of blackcurrant, leather, and cedar. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot highlights the harmonious integration of these varietals, resulting in a wine that is both powerful and elegant.

About the grape

Elderton's 2000 CSM from Barossa Valley blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot, each contributing unique qualities. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and hardy vines, adds structure and aging potential. Shiraz, a signature grape of Barossa, brings bold flavors and spice. Merlot, with its softer profile, offers smoothness and fruitiness. The 2000 vintage faced challenges like a hot summer and February rains, leading to reduced yields but concentrated flavors in these varietals.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Elderton Wines' vineyard was first planted in 1894 by German settlers, making it one of the oldest in Australia's Barossa Valley.
• 🏆 The 2000 vintage of Elderton's Command Shiraz received a 97-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its exceptional quality.
• 🌱 Elderton's flagship wine, the Command Shiraz, is produced from a single vineyard of Shiraz vines planted around 1894.
• 🏡 The Ashmead family, who purchased the vineyard in 1979, restored the derelict vines and produced their first vintage in 1982.
• 🌍 Elderton Wines is committed to sustainability, being the first in South Australia to offset emissions by planting trees, utilizing solar panels, and recycling nearly 100% of winery water.

Palate profile

Producer

Elderton Wines, located in Nuriootpa, South Australia, was established in 1982 by Neil and Lorraine Ashmead, who revitalized a vineyard originally planted in 1894 by the Scholz family. The estate gained prominence in 1993 after winning the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy, contributing significantly to the rejuvenation of the Barossa Valley. Today, the second generation, brothers Cameron and Allister Ashmead, continue to uphold the family's commitment to producing premium wines that showcase the region's unique terroir. The winery is also recognized for its sustainable practices, including water conservation and solar energy utilization.