Deep crimson color. Lifted ripe plums with hints of Christmas cake spice, and subtle gamey notes. Rich and attractive spicy ripe berries reminiscent of summer pudding, supported by silky tannins that together provide a focused structure, and a powerful yet elegant finish.
96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Take Ancestor Vines (planted in 1894), a great vintage, experienced winemaking, add 30 months of aging in American and French oak, and the result is the stunning 2018 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz. Boasting fabulous density and concentration, this full-bodied effort is still almost embryonic in its development, with tarry, mocha, yet lifted notes accenting intense blackberry fruit; a rich, supple yet structured mouthfeel, and a long, mouthwatering finish. Once it hits its stride in a few years, it should drink well for 20 years or more.
96 James Suckling A great release of Command, this carries the bold and deeply flavorful style of the vintage effortlessly, a vintage that played into the natural style of this rich Barossa Valley shiraz. There’s so much to love about this wine, from the rich blackberry, red-plum and spice aromas and flavors to the silky, fine and long tannins. Floats long on the smooth finish. Drink over the next decade and more. Screw cap.
96 Natalie MacLean Elderton Command Single Vineyard 2018 Shiraz is produced from a parcel of 125-plus-year-old vines from the Nuriootpa estate vineyard planted in 1894. From a great vintage, look for rich and concentrated blackberry, spiced plum, cocoa, vanilla, cedar brush and smoky spice flavours layered on this dry, full-bodied and vibrant red from Barossa. Tannins are structured and pleasantly grippy. Good now, better in 2023 and a great cellaring candidate as well for 20-plus years. Pour with roast beef dinner.
