1996 Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 750ml

Overview

The 1996 Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 750ml is one of Australia's most iconic collectible Shiraz wines. Produced exclusively from Elderton's historic Command Vineyard in Nuriootpa, home to ungrafted vines planted in 1894, this flagship release has earned worldwide recognition for its extraordinary concentration, longevity and unmistakable Barossa character.

The 1996 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the wine's history, famously winning Best Shiraz in the World at the London International Wine & Spirit Competition. Now approaching three decades of age, it remains a benchmark mature Barossa Shiraz, combining remarkable depth with silky texture and exceptional complexity.

Vintage & Winemaking

The outstanding 1996 Barossa Valley vintage produced fruit of exceptional concentration, structure and balance. Sourced entirely from Elderton's renowned Command Vineyard—planted in 1894 with some of Australia's oldest surviving Shiraz vines—the low-yielding vineyard delivered intensely flavoured fruit capable of decades of graceful evolution.

Following traditional open fermentation, the wine matured for approximately three years in American oak before receiving additional bottle maturation prior to release. This extended élevage created a richly layered Shiraz with beautifully integrated oak, fine-grained tannins and remarkable ageing potential, hallmarks that have defined Command Shiraz for generations.

Product Highlights

• Produced from ungrafted vines planted in 1894
• Widely regarded as one of the greatest Command vintages
• Winner of Best Shiraz in the World at the London International Wine & Spirit Competition
• Extended maturation in American oak before release
• One of Australia's most collectible and age-worthy Shiraz wines
• Outstanding mature Barossa Valley single-vineyard expression

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Deep garnet with a mature brick rim, retaining impressive colour and vitality for its age.

Aroma

Complex aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, liquorice, dark chocolate and mocha intertwine with cedar, smoky oak, vanilla, leather and savoury spice, developing remarkable tertiary complexity with time in the glass.

Palate

Rich, concentrated and beautifully integrated, offering layers of blackberry, plum compote, dark chocolate, espresso and liquorice supported by silky mature tannins and finely balanced oak. Despite its power, the wine remains elegant, harmonious and remarkably fresh.

Finish

Exceptionally long and persistent, finishing with lingering dark fruit, cedar, mocha, spice and refined mature tannins.

Food Pairing

The 1996 Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz pairs beautifully with:

• Dry-aged ribeye steak
• Slow-roasted lamb shoulder
• Braised beef cheeks
• Venison with juniper sauce
• Mature cheddar or aged Gouda

Serving Temperature: 17–18°C

Cellaring Potential

Now fully mature, the 1996 Command Shiraz is drinking beautifully, displaying exceptional tertiary complexity while retaining impressive fruit intensity. Well-stored bottles will continue to provide enjoyment for years, although the wine is firmly within its optimal drinking window.

Recommended drinking window: Now–2032

Critic Scores & Reviews

"Built for 15–20 years of cellaring."

— Robert Parker