2002 Command Shiraz
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Tasting notes
A stunning effort, the 2002 Shiraz Command exhibits an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sweet perfume of camphor, blueberries, blackberries, acacia flowers, and smoky, toasty oak. Full-bodied, opulent, and viscous, with huge, but sweet tannin, decent acidity, and a muscular, long, 40+ second finish, this is a classic, potentially long-lived, Barossa blockbuster. It’s accessible now, but ideally needs another 2-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for two decades. Imported by USA Wine West, San Rafael, CA; tel. (800) 485-5753 for John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Inky ruby. Powerful, almost candied aromas of boysenberry, mulberry and dark cherry, with subtle hints of smoked meat and cinnamon. Deeply concentrated, velvety dark fruit flavors expand to fill every crevice of the palate. Utterly palate-staining finish showcases vivid cherry and cassis fruit, with completely buffered, plush tannins sneaking in at the very end.
Deep, dark ruby. Expressive and ripe on the nose, with cherry and cassis aromas tinged with cured tobacco, peppermint and sweet pepper. Ripe and full in the mouth, showing a distinctly sweet character but firmed by dusty, fine tannins. The ripe kirsch-dominated flavor is subtly enhanced by well-judged oak. Finishes firm, focused and long.