1997 Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 750ml

Overview

The 1997 Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz 750ml is one of Australia's great icon Shiraz wines, crafted exclusively from Elderton's historic Command Vineyard in Nuriootpa. Planted in 1894 with ungrafted Shiraz vines, this remarkable single-vineyard site has produced some of the Barossa Valley's most celebrated wines for decades.

The 1997 vintage marks the eleventh release of Command Shiraz and is regarded as one of the classic expressions of this legendary wine. Combining exceptional fruit concentration with impressive structure and longevity, it captures the richness and generosity of Barossa Valley while developing the complex tertiary characters that only extended bottle age can provide.

Vintage & Winemaking

The warm 1997 Barossa Valley vintage produced ripe, concentrated Shiraz with excellent depth and ageing potential. Fruit was sourced exclusively from the historic Command Vineyard, where vines planted in 1894 grow in deep alluvial soils over limestone, naturally producing low yields of intensely flavoured berries.

Following traditional fermentation, the wine was matured in premium French oak, creating a powerful yet structured Shiraz with abundant extract, beautifully integrated oak and firm tannins. Built for long-term cellaring, the 1997 Command has matured gracefully into an outstanding example of aged Barossa Shiraz.

Product Highlights

• Produced from historic ungrafted vines planted in 1894
• Flagship single-vineyard wine from Elderton Wines
• Langton's Classified "Excellent" wine
• Robert Parker 92 Points & Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
• Exceptional mature Barossa Shiraz with outstanding provenance
• Highly collectible Australian icon wine

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Deep garnet with a mature brick-red rim, retaining impressive colour and vitality after nearly three decades.

Aroma

Lifted aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry, ripe plum and dark cherry intertwine with vanilla, cedar, mocha, liquorice, leather and subtle earthy complexity developed through extended bottle age.

Palate

Full-bodied and richly textured, displaying layers of blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and sweet spice balanced by mature tannins and beautifully integrated oak. The palate remains remarkably fresh and structured, combining power with elegance and impressive persistence.

Finish

Long, savoury and complex, with lingering notes of dark fruit, cedar, cocoa, black pepper and fine mature tannins.

Food Pairing

The 1997 Elderton Command Single Vineyard Shiraz pairs beautifully with:

• Dry-aged ribeye steak
• Slow-roasted lamb shoulder
• Braised beef cheeks
• Venison with red wine jus
• Mature cheddar or aged Gouda

Serving Temperature: 17–18°C

Cellaring Potential

Now at an exceptional stage of maturity, the 1997 Command Shiraz displays beautifully integrated tertiary complexity while retaining remarkable fruit concentration and structure. Well-cellared bottles will continue to evolve gracefully, although the wine is firmly within its ideal drinking window.

Recommended drinking window: Now–2032

Critic Scores & Reviews

"The opaque purple-coloured 1997 Command Shiraz offers abundant creamy new oak... full-bodied, powerful, muscular, with a finish that lasts for 35+ seconds."

— Robert Parker