Australia
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Nuriootpa
Our Story
Elderton Wines is a small, family-owned winery in the heart of Australia’s Barossa Valley. The vineyards, first planted in 1894 by German settlers, were purchased by the Ashmead family in 1979. The Ashmeads restored the vineyards, producing their first wines in 1982. Elderton gained acclaim for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing to the rejuvenation of the Barossa.
Today, the winery is run by the second generation, brothers Cameron and Allister Ashmead, with Cameron’s wife, Jules Ashmead, leading the winemaking team. The estate spans 160 acres across three vineyards: Nuriootpa, Greenock, and Eden Valley, each with unique terroirs.
Cultivating Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, the winery emphasizes sustainability, being the first in South Australia to offset emissions by planting trees, utilizing solar panels, harvesting rainwater, and recycling nearly 100% of winery water.
Wines
Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon
Elderton
Barossa Valley
Planted in the Nuriootpa vineyard in 1944 near the banks of the North Para River. That proximity allows for deep roots to grow in alluvial soils without the need for much irrigation, if at all. Open top concrete for fermentation and then aged for 18 months in French oak hogsheads and puncheons. Blackberry, dark chocolate, bay leaf.
Command Shiraz
Elderton
Barossa Valley
This globally acknowledged, award winning Shiraz is the flagship of the Estate. 123 year old vines from the Command vineyard in Nuriootpa which is classified as an Ancestor vineyard by the Barossa Old Vine Charter. Fermented in open top concrete and aged in new American and French oak puncheons. Ripe berries, spice, elegant.
E Series Chardonnay
Elderton
Barossa Valley
E Series wines are of premium quality with their roots firmly set in the Barossa and its surroundings. Designed to be affordable everyday drinking wines, but a little enhanced. Hence the E. 100% Chardonnay, 100% clean, 100% crisp. Peach, melon, acidity.
E Series Shiraz
Elderton
Barossa Valley
Generally 70% or so Shiraz and aged in old American oak puncheons, this E Series embodies the E: excellent, earth, elegance, enjoy. Plum, cherry, vanilla.
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Elderton
Barossa Valley
This 100% Estate wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from old vines in Greenock, low yielding vines in Nuriootpa, and higher elevation vines in Craneford. Fermented in open top concrete and 24 months in older French oak hogsheads and puncheons. Cassis, licorice, dried herbs.
Estate Shiraz
Elderton
Barossa Valley
Elderton's Barossa Shiraz is sourced from three vineyard sites with varying aspects, elevations, and soil types. The Greenock vineyard provides a vibrant bouquet and punchy tannins, Nuriootpa offers depth of tannin and sweet spiced fruit, and Craneford, with its higher elevation and leaner soils, ripens later in the season. This Shiraz is a benchmark for the Barossa region.
Grand Tourer Shiraz
Elderton
Barossa Valley
Elderton's 2022 Neil Ashmead Grand Tourer Shiraz combines fruit from Nuriootpa (planted in 1954) and Greenock (planted in 1980). This Shiraz offers a distinct blue-fruited note with a linear palate expression. Handpicked and co-fermented in open concrete fermenters, it is aged in French oak (45% new) for 14 months. The wine features fresh blueberry aromas, a creamy palate with summer berry flavors, spiced charcuterie notes, and powdery tannins. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 10 years.
Ode to Lorraine CMS
Elderton
Barossa Valley
Starting out as simply CSM in 1992, this wine was renamed in 2002 as a tribute to co-founder, mother, and grandmother extraordinaire Lorraine Ashmead. All from the Nuriootpa vineyard with soils of deep alluvial silt, red and brown earths, and limestone. 31 to 101 year old vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot. Plum, forest, cocoa.
Featured Stories
A Conversation with Al Ashmeade of Elderton Vineyards
In this episode of Adventures of a Black Belt Sommelier, Hoyt Hill sits down with Al Ashmeade, proprietor of Elderton Vineyards in Australia's Barossa Valley. They discuss Al's journey, the legacy of Elderton, and what makes Barossa wines so special. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about passion, wine, and the stories behind the vines!
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Elderton Wines: Celebrating Heritage, Sustainability, and Excellence
Elderton Wines: A Rich Heritage
Explore the rich heritage, sustainable practices, and award-winning excellence of Elderton Wines, a family-owned vineyard in the heart of Barossa Valley."
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Tyrrell’s & Elderton Named in Halliday Wine Companion’s “Australia’s Top 100 Wineries” List!
These wineries continue to set the standard for Australian wine excellence, and we're excited to share their incredible stories and wines with you!
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