The Auswine Forum

Hi folks..

My very first post around here...
Been reading about how great the 1998 vintage is. But seriously, is there a pot of gold over the rainbow for this wine?

Thanks!

Kin Chung

Didn't the 98 Command win some kind of international shiraz challenge?

Kieran

Hi KC,

Welcome to this board, glad you found finally found us. Now you can bug all these other people rather than just me.

I don't know about a "pot of gold" - there are some great 98's but some of them are not developing as well as it had been hoped. The 98 Command had better not be in that category as I have a six pack.

Here is my TN.

Elderton 1999 Command Shiraz SA2003 sells for $85 at CD. Although it had just been opened, it has a beautiful perfumed complex bouquet expressing violets, liquorice and spice. The wine has good mouth feel and structure which are provided by abundant the smooth dusty tannins that should become creamy in time and strong deep persistent fruit. On the palate itÂ’s a black wine with rich chocolate, blackberry and prune that builds and builds across the palate like a small tatsumi. Considering the intensity of the fruit, its not heavy and like the Ashmead its sophisticated harmonious complexity and layered solid structure will ensure this is a great wine in time. Rated as Excellent with (almost) *** for value, I was lucky enough to pick it up for $55 a few weeks later from a Sydney retailer which is a very fair price and great value. Drink 2007+

Hi Ric,

Wished I had surfed onto this board before I made the trip to Melb/Sydney... lots of good info on here...

Btw, the TN you provided is for the 99, have you tasted the 98 yet? I have seen lots of discussion about the 98s not developing well. Is it because they are over oaked, such that they are not balanced, or the fruit is overripe, and there is not enough acid to last?

Thanks!

Kin Chung

Hi KC,

Sorry about the mix up with the TN, I can't find my note on the 98 although I know I have tried it. From memory it was at a dinner in Melbourne and it was impressive, thats why I bought it.

As to the reports, this wine has a lot of oak and as the first flush of fruit fades and the wine goes into a hole, the oak dominates. Hopefully, it will eventually come good again as the fruit absorbs the wood and the tannins soften.

Tasted on many ocasions - A sexy and voluptcous dancer in a satin lingerie.

In layman terms - Unctously textured, gobs of ripe blackfruits, seductive and satinny smooth.
Disagreed with Ric, I dont find any doughnut and the oak was completely buried under the bucket loads of fruits. Tannins were evident but soft and silky. The 36 mths in the barrels did the wine wonders

<i> Your wish is our Command</i> Elderton tagline.