Wine Advisor
Elderton, Ashmead Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Erin Larkin
The 2021 season in the Barossa was long, mild and devoid of major viticultural pressures. It was, in short, a magnificent season that yielded a tranche of balanced and harmonious wines. Here, the 2021 Ashmead Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is balanced and a little minty, with dried herbs, purple berry fruit, layers of licorice, freshly turned earth and arnica. It smells and tastes like the place—Barossa can hardly escape its pronounced regional characteristics of concentrated fruit and earthy tannins, and as drinkers, nor would we want it to. The tannins that shape the wine in the mouth and through the finish make for chewy, chalky drinking, and this is certainly a highlight as I see it. Texturally, the wine is quite gritty yet polished, and the oak seems to sit well within the confines of the fruit. The alcohol is evident in this wine; it has a warmth and "fumé-ness" to the finish. Admittedly, some may love that character. 14.7% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
About the Producer
The vineyard was first planted on the banks of the North Para River in Nuriootpa in 1894 by early German settlers, the Scholz family. In 1916, it was purchased by Samuel Elderton Tolley who named the Estate ‘Elderton’. He built himself a sprawling homestead on the Estate and sold the fruit to his family’s winery. It was run successfully for many years, but became derelict in the early years of the vine pull (circa 1975). The rambling old homestead looked ideal for a growing family and the Ashmead’s worked tirelessly to salvage and restore a phenomenal treasure of a vineyard. The second generation took the reins of the business in 2003. Brothers Cameron and Allister believe very strongly in continuing the traditions that began a generation earlier, on the Nuriootpa vineyard. Wanting to take the family company to the next level, they together devised a plan to buy great vineyards in other significant sub appellations of the Barossa. Ashmead family, owners of Elderton Wines Barossa Valley winery Through using sustainable practices, the hope is that the next generation of the Ashmead family have a lot to work with when they are at the helm. In 2007 a great little vineyard in Craneford (Eden Valley) was purchased and this was followed in 2010 by the purchase of a vineyard on the northeast corner of Greenock. In 2023, the family purchased a fourth vineyard at Mengler Hill. In 2017 the Cellar Door moved from the small cottage (previously the home of Tolley’s Vineyard Manager) on Tanunda Rd to the Elderton Homestead, which was the drawcard of the property for the Ashmead family back in 1979. This evolution has given a beautiful space for visitors to enjoy Elderton wines, with a main tasting room for a more casual style tasting, along with rooms for hosted private tastings, Commander experiences and more. Nestled in the middle of the Nuriootpa vineyard, the Barossa Cellar Door provides unforgettable experiences for Elderton’s visitors.
