1998 Elderton Shiraz Command

A dense Shiraz, rich and opulent, with several layers of exotic spice aromas and flavors vying for attention against a solid core of blackberry and cherry fruit; all mingles beautifully on the plump finish. 375 cases imported.

Author: Harvey Steiman

A spectacular offering, the 1998 Command Shiraz (which spent 3 years in French and American oak) is the type of wine that is impossible to duplicate outside of selected Barossa and McLaren Vale vineyard sites. An opaque purple color is followed by spectacular aromas of toasty oak, camphor, blackberry liqueur, and asphalt. It is humongous in the mouth, decadently rich, and luxuriously fruited, with a viscous texture as well as a 40-second finish. Low acidity and ripe tannin add to the succulent impression. Still youthful, it requires another 2-3 years of cellaring; it should age effortlessly for 15-16+ years.

Author: Robert Parker