Elderton Shiraz Barossa Valley Command Single Vineyard 2017

96 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "This does command respect thanks to the fruit coming off 123yo vines and the care with it from that moment right through to the winemaking. It is powerful and divine. Lush with the dark fruit coated with chocolate, pepper and coffee. The palate feels all velvety with the tannins neatly placed, the oak integrated and with a glass in hand, a sense that all's well with the world. Special. Closure: Screwcap. 14.9% alcohol. Drink by 2037. (Jan 2020)"

95 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "The 2017 Command Single Vineyard Shiraz spent 30 months in new American and French oak. From a parcel of the estate vineyard in Nuriootpa planted in 1894, it's broad and generous on the full-bodied palate, practically oozing generosity and richness. Plums, blackberries, vanilla and cedar all come together in a sexy whirl of velvety-textured hedonism that may prove too much for some tasters while completely turning others on. It's a very different experience from the Greenock-sourced Western Ridge Shiraz, which I suppose is part of the point. Drink 2021-2035. (Aug 2021)"

94 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous):"[$117 list] Dark purple. Expressive, spice-accented cherry preserve, blackcurrant, espresso and violet aromas are complemented by suggestions of vanilla and candied licorice. Sweet, seamless and broad on the palate, offering comcentrated black and blue fruit liqueur, floral pastille, mocha and spicecake flavors and building smokiness. Shows fine detail and appealing sweetness on a long, juicy finish that features a repeating florl quality and subtle, slow-building tannins. Raised in new French and American oak barrels. Drink: 2023-2031. (Dec 2021)"

94 points Sarah Ahmed (Decanter): "From a single 1894 block, Command is renowned for its generosity. In a milder year, this is not the most concentrated vintage, but delivers no shortage of pleasure. Ripe and supple, the plum and blackberry palate is loaded with liquorice, cedar, clove, vanilla and black cardamom. Creamy, malty mocha oak brings a plush, savoury dimension to the palate. With silty, immersive tannins it is lingering and intense, with lovely balance. Drink: 2021-2030. (Sep 2021)"

93 points James Suckling: "From a single parcel of 1894-planted shiraz at the estate vineyard in Nuriootpa, this has a very attractively rich and ripe feel with a tarry overlay, fresh earth and violets, as well as mulberries, redcurrants, red plums and oak spice bubbling through. The palate has the trademark smooth, chocolate and ripe red plums, as well as some darker berry flavors. Good balance here. Drink or hold. Screw cap. (8/31/20)"