2020 Elderton Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley – Like the Command block, which is an amazing resource to the Elderton Estate, the Ashmead block has consistently produced small parcels of excellent quality fruit. The vineyard was almost destroyed in 1997 to make way for higher yielding vines, however the family made the decision to promote the vineyard to a higher destiny – thus the Ashmead.
The Elderton Vineyard, originally planted by the Scholz family in 1894, was planted predominantly with Shiraz; however in the early 1940s, Samuel Elderton Tolley (the owner at that time) decided to diversify and thus established some of the earliest planted Cabernet Sauvignon in the Barossa Valley. There are two blocks on the property that we believe to be planted in the 1940s, and both of these offer an outstanding viticultural resource to Elderton. Year in, year out, they both manage to produce an outstanding quality (albeit very small) crop of densely coloured and richly flavoured grapes. Today, we believe them to be amongst some of the oldest plantings anywhere in the world.
In 1997 the family sat down to discuss the viability of the block, as it was questionable at best. However, the saving grace was simply the pure brilliance of the fruit. It was, and is, always the standout Cabernet block on the property. The decision was therefore taken to reward the excellence of the single sites from the 1998 vintage, with a single vineyard release, named the ‘Ashmead’. The concept was, and still is, to take all time and cost pressures out of winemaking. The Ashmead family wanted to show the world that Australia, the Barossa and certainly Elderton, can produce a world renowned and distinguished Cabernet Sauvignon.
Enticing aromas of cassis, dark chocolate and bay leaf. Rich blackberry and cassis fruits follow on the palate, with nuances of bay leaf. The generous fruit flavours are supported by a backbone of tightly wound tannins that will further soften with medium to long term cellaring.
Single Price: $130.00
Any Six Bottle Buy: $100.00
Price per case (12 bottles): $1,200.00
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