and vanilla overtones make it a, wine not to be missed. Elderton 1994 The 1994 Cabernet was de­ rived from the same vines as the Jimmy Watson winning 1992 wine, which was a complex fruit driven wine. Elderton Command Shiraz 1992 I will quote Robert Parker who comments, the noted USA Elderton Wines wine critic, from his wine Advo­ cate. He rated the wine 94/100. “Might this be the Caymus Special Selection Shiraz of Aus­ What is now the Elderton vine­ ing tables in eleven countries tralia? This wine, with its nearly yard was established by Samuel around the world and because 15% natural alcohol, lavish quan­ Elderton Tolley in the late 19th cen­ their quality standards are very tities of smoky, toasty wood and tury. In 1981 the Ashmead family high, it is unlikely that Elderton oodles of thick, jammy cassis, moved in, named the vineyard in will grow much beyond its blueberries and raspberries, is a honour of its founder and began nur­ present size. decadent, hedonistic, opulently turing the vines and producing the Elderton Rhine textured fruit bomb that coats wines that are now sold around the the mouth with thrilling levels world. This wine differs from most of extract, glycerin and alcohol. They have redeveloped the vine­ Australian in that Its huge aromatics and bold fla­ yard, retaining Sam Tolley's mag­ Elderton have deliberately vours make a dramatic statement. nificent old Shiraz and Cabernet aimed at a drier style. Do not expect any subtlety in Sauvignon plantings, and have Elderton Semilion this blockbuster. Look for this blended the latest scientific opaque, purple coloured shiraz viticultural techniques with age-old A dry, complex wine is well to drink well for another 15 practices. suited to most savoury dishes years.” Elderton's success stems largely particularly complimenting the After that write-up you would from Neil Ashmead's conviction that popular Mediterranean style of have to buy a bottle! there would always be a market niche food. The Elderton range of wines for the big, bold, earthy reds that are on special this month at made the Barossa’s reputation. This Elderton Jeany’s Fine Wines. belief flew in the face of convention The chardonnay’s richness in the early 1980’s, when most of is further enhanced with deli­ Elderton's competitors switched fo­ cate and careful wood matura­ ILowims cus to the fashionable white varieties tion. and uprooted their red vines. Today, Have you joined the Elderton produces a full range of Elderton Shiraz 1994 premium wines and most are Qantas deal? From the excellent 1994 vin­ award winners. tage another great shiraz. Full Contact the Law Society for Elderton wines appear on the din­ with fruit (14% alcohol) pepper further details.

March 1997