2016 Command Shiraz
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Tasting notes
Inky ruby. Dark berries, cherry, vanilla, exotic spices and pipe tobacco qualities on the pungent nose, which takes on a smoky nuance as the wine opens up. Offers palate-coating blackcurrant, bitter cherry and licorice flavors that show impressive depth and building suggestions of candied flowers and fruitcake. The broad, persistent finish features repeating floral and smoke notes. The velvety tannins add shape and grip.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
From a single parcel of 1894-planted shiraz at the estate vineyard in Nuriootpa. The deep, rich red plums, blackberries and blueberries on offer here are impressive, together with a floral edge and notes of fresh-tilled earth, iodine, nori and toasty oak spice. The palate has a very bold, soft, round and attractively ripe feel with impressive focus of ripe blackberry and plum flavors and chocolate building into the finish. The smooth-honed tannins run so long. A classic expression of Barossa Valley shiraz. Very drinkable now, but also capable of long aging. Screw cap.
A bit tighter and more focused than the 2015, the 2016 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz looks to have a bit more tannic richness and length, even if it's not quite as opulent or plush. It's still full-bodied and packed with dark fruit flavors and enough oak to give it shape and length. One of the best Commands I've tried.