It was a relatively quiet morning at Wine Spies Headquarters when Agent Noir screamed; “Wait, what? We can offer THE Command at under $60?” Indeed Operatives, we have before us one of the most iconic flagship Shiraz of all of Australia - make that the world - at a fraction of its true value today. When a Barossa Shiraz is made as impeccably and intensely as this, it’s the ultimate crossover red, appealing equally to Cab, Zin or Syrah lovers, yes basically almost any red wine fan ought to be floored by the presence of beauty and sheer supremacy here. We urge you to read on…

Midnight opaque in the deep core, with furling gleams of purple and ruby lighting the circumference up. So intense on the nose that a few sniffs are needed to grasp the multitude of layers of dark fruits, flowers, and spice here as it unfolds. For the mouthfeel and body, try to imagine a bodybuilder and a ballet dancer in one, shockingly muscular, while weightless simultaneously. Ultrafine tannins catch up with the sweet fruit on the massive finish, borderline overripe while remaining dry and seemingly endless on the closing remarks. While this will cellar effortlessly for decades, aged steaks or cheeses would help in appreciating its youthful hedonism.

Accolades? Not enough space to list all here! Few wineries can claim a straight run of being rated 5/5 stars every single year since 2012 by James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion, the most respected publication down under. They have also adorned tens of Top-100 lists worldwide since their inaugural 1982 vintage. So, what’s the catch we hear you say? When something looks too good to be true, there’s always the catch. It’s the allocation game again this time, we were bestowed only a few cases of this Hells Angels worthy rocket fuel of a wine. Grab yours now before it’s too late.

Here’s what the wine press has to say on Command:

Wine Spectator - Harvey Steiman “The plush, resplendent Command Shiraz is one of Australia’s icon wines. Barossa is famous for Shiraz that sings with ripe fruit and achieves a seductively rich texture, that pretty well describes Command. Collectors can spend $200 for a bottle of the latest vintage of a rare Australian Shiraz, such as Penfolds Grange and Henschke Hill of Grace, both magnificent wines that age for decades. Yet there are plenty of lesser-known Shirazes that offer similar characteristics at a fraction of the cost. Most also provide the gorgeous ripe fruit flavors and rich textures that have propelled the popularity of Shiraz throughout the world, especially in the United States. Planted in 1890 and purchased by the Ashmead family in 1979, this vineyard features row upon row of gnarled old vines on deep alluvial soil in the heart of Barossa. The best sections go into the flagship Command bottling, always a powerful, intense wine.”

And what the wine press has to say on this vintage:

James Halliday – 95 Points - “Embodies the sort of inimitable, old vine (average 121 years) power that warm climate Australia does so well. The violet, pepper grind and meld of plummy fruit and Chinese five-spice remain this brooding, highly ageable wine’s calling card. Vanilla pod oak serves as a welcome restraining device to the exuberance. Exaggerated? You be the judge.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - 94 Points - “In Barossa terms, the Ashmead family, who own Elderton, are newcomers, with brothers Allister and Cameron representing only the second generation. These are big, flavorful wines at the top level, yet they’re not without a sense of elegance. The 2015 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz fits the mold of a big, bold, Barossa Shiraz. Vanilla and baking spices accent blackberry and mulberry fruit on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is ripe and creamy, supple and richly concentrated through the long, soft finish. Drink 2019-2035.”