BUZZ S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 6
New buds bursting from the vines in Nuriootpa
W ELCOM ING SPR ING IN T H E B A R O S S A There’s a real sense of renewal across Following
welcome
Last Call for 2024 Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon
the Barossa this month. winter
Award-Winning GSM for Spring We’re also delighted to share that our
rains,
We are already down to our final 30
2025 GSM was awarded Best Grenache
budburst has arrived in the vineyard,
six-packs of the 2024 Ashmead Cabernet
Dominant Wine at the Marananga Wine
the valley is glowing green, and for the
Sauvignon.
Show.
first time in many seasons, the dams are brimming with water. It’s a beautiful sight
Produced from a low-yielding vintage
Bright,
fragrant
and
wonderfully
and already proving incredibly popular
approachable, it’s what we like to call
among members, this is likely your last
the perfect trans-seasonal red. Equally
opportunity to secure an allocation
at home alongside a spring barbecue, a
While we look ahead to the season
before it sells out completely. Once
lamb roast, or simply enjoyed on a cool
to come, one of our most anticipated
these final packs are spoken for, there
evening as winter gives way to warmer
current releases is rapidly disappearing.
will be no further stock available.
days.
and a reminder that another vintage is already underway.
If you’ve been considering adding a little more Ashmead to your cellar, we’d encourage you not to leave it too much longer.
Elderton Cellar Door From Above
AN IDEAL SPRING WEEKEND IN THE BAROSSA A BAROSSA ITINERARY FROM JODHI THOMS, COMMANDER CONCIERGE AND CELLAR DOOR MANAGER Spring might just be my favourite
Afterwards, wander through the Barossa
season in the Barossa and this year feels
Farmers Market in Angaston. Grab a
particularly special. We’ve recently been
coffee, sample local produce and meet
named the #2 Best Winery Experience
some of the passionate growers and
in Australia in the 2027 Halliday Wine
makers who help make our region so
Companion People’s Choice Awards,
special.
and there’s no better time to visit and experience the Barossa at its very best. The team absolutely loves this time of year. The vines are bursting back to life, the warmer sunlit days return, and there is a wonderful energy throughout the valley. Visitors are often surprised by just
Sunday Morning Before heading home, visit us at Elderton. Spring is one of the most rewarding times to experience the Cellar Door, with the gardens awakening, the vines growing rapidly and a sense of anticipation filling
Saturday Afternoon
the valley.
Take time to explore the creative side
Spring
of the Barossa. The Barossa Regional
Around
Gallery regularly features exhibitions from local and South Australian artists, while the region’s sculpture trails, artisan workshops and galleries offer plenty to
-
Experiences
Worth
Planning
Sunrise hot air ballooning over
the Barossa -
Wellness retreats and yoga sessions
how beautiful the Barossa is beyond
discover between tastings.
with True North Yoga
vintage, but for me, spring is when the
Enjoy a long lunch, take the scenic route
- Exploring the Barossa’s galleries, artists
region truly shines.
home and don’t be afraid to leave a
If you’ve been considering a visit, the next
few hours unplanned.
few months are some of the best you’ll
Saturday Evening
experience all year. The cellar doors are a little less hurried, the landscapes are at their greenest, and there is so much more to enjoy than wine alone. My Ideal Spring Weekend in the Barossa
Spring is when the events calendar begins to come alive again. Look out for
vineyard landscapes at their greenest - Seasonal food, music and community
special regional events that showcase
Arrive in time to slow down. Check into
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with
and spend the afternoon soaking in the scenery. The rolling hills surrounding Marananga, Greenock and Moppa are spectacular after winter rains.
air balloon flight. Watching the first rays of light spread across the patchwork of vineyards below is one of the most memorable ways to experience the Barossa. If a gentler start sounds more appealing, book a session with True North Yoga, where wellness and mindfulness provide the perfect balance to a weekend of great food and wine.
events as the valley emerges from winter. The Barossa is hosting a number of Australian String Quartet events
two of our local favourites: Vintners
Fri 18—Sun 20 September 2026
Bar & Grill, renowned for its seasonal
The Barossa may be known for its wine,
Barossa produce and warm hospitality, or Otherness Wines, where thoughtful food and wine pairings celebrate the region’s growers and makers.
but what I love most is that there are so many different ways to experience the region. Whether it’s a peaceful yoga class, an early morning balloon flight, discovering local art, or simply
Saturday Morning Set your alarm early for a sunrise hot
- Scenic walks, cycling routes and
performances, community festivals and the best of life in the Barossa.
through one of our historic townships
- Saturday mornings at the Barossa
Farmers Market
outdoor dining experiences, live music
Friday Afternoon your accommodation, take a stroll
and creative spaces such as Goldie
Pottery Studio
Alternatively, after spending the morning wandering the Barossa Farmers Market, gathering the freshest local produce, artisan cheeses and smallgoods, you may like to simply settle in for a relaxed evening meal paired with a few special bottles collected from your favourite cellar door visits. Sometimes the most memorable Barossa dining experience happens around the table you’ve created yourself.
enjoying the beauty that surrounds us, spring is a wonderful time to visit. It’s also a wonderful time of year to head further north and explore the Flinders
Rangers via the Barossa and Clare
Valley! We’d love to welcome you to Elderton if your travels bring you our way and are always happy to offer local recommendations and create bespoke tasting experiences.
TWO ICONS OF THE BAROSSA. ONE NEARLY GONE. When we released the 2023 Command
Layers of vibrant red fruit, plum and
fruit, spiced vanilla, savoury dried herbs
Shiraz and 2024 Ashmead Cabernet
sweet spice are framed by what
and long, fine tannins that promise
Sauvignon to the public on 1 September,
critics have described as beautifully
graceful ageing.
we knew quantities would be limited.
balanced structure and exceptional
What we didn’t anticipate was just
length. Matured for 23 months in new
Now in its 24th release, Ashmead
how quickly collectors and long-time
French and American oak puncheons,
continues to demonstrate why this
Elderton supporters would respond.
it is equally compelling to enjoy now
vineyard has become one of the most
or cellar for the next two decades.
celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon sites in
Today,
there
is
only
a
the
2024
Ashmead
allocation
of
Cabernet
Sauvignon
small
the Barossa. Reviews
received
to
date: Reviews received to date:
remaining,
with approximately 30 six-packs still
97 Points, Ken Gargett, WinePilot.com
available before this release is sold out.
96 Points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
96 Points, Ray Jordan, WinePilot.com
96 Points, Ray Jordan, WinePilot.com
95 Points, Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
These wines represent the pinnacle of
95 Points, Campbell Mattinson, The Wine
95 Points, Ken Gargett, WinePilot.com
Elderton’s Elite Single Vineyard collection,
Front
sourced from two of our most treasured vineyards and shaped by a growing season that delivered exceptional purity, structure and balance.
LAST 2024 ASHMEAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Produced from our historic Nuriootpa
CHANCE
TO
SECURE
YOUR
ALLOCATION With only around 30 six-packs of the
vineyard planted in 1944, the 2024
2024 Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon
Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon is one
remaining, this release is approaching
of the smallest releases in the wine’s
sell-out. For those looking to add these
history.
wines to their cellar, now is the time to act.
is a striking expression of a cooler
The vineyard yielded just a handful
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance
vintage. While Command is renowned
of barrels, resulting in an allocation
and longevity of Command or the rarity
for power and longevity, the 2023
reduced by more than three-quarters
and old vine character of Ashmead,
release pairs its trademark depth with
of a typical vintage. The wine captures
these are wines that will reward patience
remarkable elegance and precision.
everything we love about old vine
for many years to come.
2023 COMMAND SHIRAZ Sourced from our Ancestor Vineyard planted in 1894, the 2023 Command
Barossa Cabernet: vibrant boysenberry
Command Shiraz and Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon
AWARD-WINNING 2025 GSM Fresh, vibrant and made to be
expressive and incredibly easy to enjoy.
wine.
just
Rather than being tucked away in the
fired pizza, grilled lamb, charcuterie
been awarded the Trophy for Best
cellar, the 2025 GSM is in its sweet spot
or a relaxed spring barbecue, the
Grenache Dominant Wine of Show
right now, showcasing all the freshness,
2025
at the 2026 Marananga Wine Show.
vibrancy and generosity that make this
in the way great wines often do,
style such a favourite around the table.
effortlessly
supported by Shiraz and Mourvèdre,
Grenache has become one of the
Winning Best Grenache Dominant Wine
this wine captures the charm of the
Barossa’s most exciting varieties, prized for
of Show is a fantastic recognition of both
variety in its youth. Bright raspberry
producing wines with flavour, brightness
the quality of the 2025 vintage and the
and cherry fruits leap from the glass,
and approachability. In the 2025 GSM,
growing reputation of Grenache-based
while subtle spice and savoury notes
that character shines through from the
wines in the Barossa. More importantly,
add
first pour, delivering juicy red fruits, gentle
it’s a wine that’s drinking beautifully right
spice and a soft, flowing palate that
now.
enjoyed,
our
2025
GSM
has
Whether
GSM
paired
brings and
with
people
without
wood-
together
ceremony.
With Grenache leading the blend,
complexity
and
balance.
The judges recognised what we’ve loved
keeps you reaching for another glass.
since bottling: a wine that is energetic,
It’s also a wonderfully versatile food
Head Winemaker Brock Harrison with the Marrananga Wine Show Trophuy
Over 500 new native plants at Nuriootpa
WINERY AND VINEYARD UPDATE JULIE ASHMEAD - HEAD OF PRODUCTION This year definitely feels like it is slipping away- seems crazy to think it is September already! 2026 was a challenging vintage, starting out with very dry conditions requiring a careful watch on irrigation to a point at the end of February where we received a decent rain event. Actual rainfall varied a lot throughout the Barossa and Even Valley. We were fortunate to have a small crop load on our vineyards which kept us safe from disease risk and really gave our vineyards a freshen up and some energy to keep ripening their fruit load. In early August we completed our post vintage tasting with Cam, Al, Conrad and Brock. The tasting included all the parcels we made from V26.
This is a
crucial moment in time for us as we begin to decide which batches will best suit each final wine we are making. From here we can plan as to when we blend
from Mengler and Craneford and a Pinot
Seeing creeks flow and dams fill for the
Gris for Small Victories from our grower
first time since 2022 really does bring a
in Eden Valley, both wines are settling
sense of excitement and rejuvenation
down well now.
We are excited to
to the landscape, spotting a few turtles
be making a couple of 2026 reds for
wandering around Mengler Hill was not
our Small Victories range.
Shiraz
on my bingo card for this year! Aside
from Greenock and Mengler and a juicy
from the rainfall, it’s been a warmer than
blend of Grenache and Cinsault which
average winter. Leaves were stubborn
will be a great option to be served slightly
and held on long after harvest which
chilled.
We also trialled our Mengler
meant pruning started late but is of huge
Viognier in a batch of Mengler Shiraz
benefit to vines with them being able to
using different fermentation methods
put photosynthates to storage for use
work out which method will work best
in future years. The warm snap in early
for our fruit and deliver the very subtle
August pushed the almond blossom and
benefit that we are looking for, if and
vineyards further south reported seeing a
when we choose to use it.
ridiculously early budburst. Our vineyards
A
The next couple of months will be spent putting these new blends together in addition to looking at our 2025 reds
weeks that followed put a stop to any silly behavior from the vines.
which are ready for a rack and return
Aside from the usual winter pruning and
and potentially pre-blending ahead of
maintenance, we have also established
their bottling dates which come around
a further 500 native plants at Nuriootpa,
quickly.
creating a third strip of native vegetation.
CONRAD POHLINGER - VITICULTURIST
and what is the best maturation plan for
With a much touted “mega” el-nino
these wines. We will soon be blending
looming in the future we couldn’t be
our 2026 GSM which will be one of the
happier with how the past few months
first wines to be bottled from 2026. Once
have been. With a strong 97mm (so far…)
blended this will spend a few months in
at Nuriootpa, our soils are now topped to
a tulip (cement tank) ahead of bottling.
the brim with water so are in an excellent
We have just bottled our 2026 Riesling
are a bit further north and the cool
position should a drier season eventuate.
The diversity and activity around these areas amazes me every time I walk by. There’s always dozens of species of bugs, predatorial wasps, butterflies, pollinators and small birds drawn to these areas. All of these providing ecosystem services and helping create a healthy environment.
COMMANDER S HONOUR R O LL At Elderton, making exceptional wine is only part of our
Recognising loyalty, commitment and connection, members
story. The relationships we’ve built with the people who have
are invited to become Commanders once they have spent
supported our family business over the years are every bit as
$2000 on wine through the Cellar Door and online store within
important.
a 12-month financial year period. Inductions occur monthly, recognising members as soon as their spend threshold is
Since 2012, Elderton has proudly acknowledged our most
reached. Each Commander receives an individually numbered
loyal customers through our Commanders program — created
Commander key tag, unlocking a range of exclusive benefits.
to recognise long term support, shared history, and a genuine connection with our family and wines.
Commander privileges include: •
This year, we’re especially proud to recognise our 10-Year
First access to new vintage Command Shiraz and Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon from 1 August
Commanders. Thank you for a decade of loyalty, friendship and
•
Priority access to special releases and new wines
support.
•
Exclusive access to museum wines from the Ashmead family cellar
2026 10-Year Commanders
•
Lori Birdsong & Scott Headland
Commander member pricing (20% off Small Victories, E Series, Estate Family Vineyards and Exceptional Sites
Rob McKay
ranges of wines)
Phil and Carolyn Proctor
•
Free shipping for orders over $200
Cliff Jackson
•
Priority invitations to exlusive Elderton winery and
Scott Gilfillan
capital-city events, with Commander only ticket pricing
Bruen Holman-Bates & Paul Bertram Rod & Rhonda Bird Kelvin & Bronte Andrijich Colin & Janyse Wayling
Commander rewards designed to be experienced with us when visiting Cellar Door: •
Shiraz to enjoy during your stay
Roger G •
Complimentary Commander Tasting at Elderton Cellar Door for up to six guests, hosted by Cameron, Allister or
For those that don’t know, the Elderton Loyalty is a tiered
Jodhi (valued at $750)
program, designed to reward you at every stage of your journey with us.
Complimentary 1-night stay at the Elderton Guest House in Nuriootpa, valued at $520, plus a bottle of Barossa
Andrew E
•
Commander-only seasonal access to the Elderton pool and grass tennis court plus use of the Commander Lounge & Dining Room
Barrel tasting in the Elderton winery
OUR WINES
An outline of our current release wines, now available in Cellar Door and online. Please contact our Cellar Door team if you have any questions on these wines - phone 08 8568 7878.
E LITE SINGL E VI NEYA RDS & E X C EPTIONA L SITES 2024 HELBIG 1915 SHIRAZ *New Release* A delicious whack of plums and spiced red berries. Notes of dark chocolate and baking spice with silken long tannins to underpin the power of fruit on the finish 98 points - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot 97 points - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal 97 points - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot 97 points - Stuart Knox, The Real Review 96+ points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 96 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate 96 points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front 2023 COMMAND SHIRAZ *New Release* A delicate balance red berry fruit and juicy plummy depth. As expected, there is a massive depth of tannin coated in a silky sweet spice which speaks to our old vines nestled here in Nuriootpa, and the long ripening season they enjoyed. 97 points - Ken Gargett, winepilot.com 96 points - Ray Jordan, winepilot.com 96 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate 95+ points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 95 points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front 94 points - Stuart Knox, The Real Review 2024 ASHMEAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON *New Release* Vibrant fruit with a hint of black forest cake and spiced vanilla. A brooding dried cooking herb note adds depth and a savoury element to the palate with fine yet long tannins which hold on to the fruit right to the end, ready for another sip. 96 points - Ray Jordan, winepilot.com 95+ points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 95 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate 95 points - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal 95 points - Ken Gargett, winepilot.com
2024 SIXFOLD SHIRAZ Sixfold is a striking single‑vineyard Shiraz from the heights of Mengler Hill in Eden Valley. Cool‑climate aromatics, dark berry fruit and fine structure combine to create a wine of clarity and tension. Powerful yet refined, this is a distinctive new chapter for Elderton. 97 points - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot 97 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate 96 points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 96 Points - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot 2022 ODE TO LORRAINE CSM A classic Bordeaux‑inspired blend that balances structure, richness and drinkability. Cabernet provides backbone, Shiraz brings depth, and Merlot adds softness and flow. Harmonious and approachable now, with the capacity to develop gracefully over time. 94 points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 96 points - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot 94+ points - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal 93 points - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate 2023 NEIL ASHMEAD GRAND TOURER SHIRAZ Grand Tourer is generous, vibrant Barossa Shiraz designed for immediate enjoyment. Juicy dark fruits, subtle spice and smooth tannins make this an easy yet satisfying expression of the variety. A crowd‑pleasing style with unmistakable Elderton character. 94 points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 95 points - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal 95 points - Ray Jordan & Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot 93 points - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate 2024 ASHMEAD FAMILY RESERVE SHIRAZ The Ashmead Family Reserve represents the pinnacle of Elderton’s estate winemaking. Selected from the finest parcels and crafted only in exceptional vintages, it offers depth, complexity and precision in equal measure. A wine of heritage, intent and longevity. 95 points - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate 96 points - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot 97 points - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
2025 WELLINGTON GRENACHE
2024 BAROSSA MERLOT
Wellington Grenache showcases the power and generosity of
A vibrant, medium‑bodied Barossa Merlot with supple texture and
Barossa Grenache. Ripe red fruits, savoury spice and earthy
bright red‑fruit charm. Spicy red currant, cherry and blackberry
depth combine with a supple, flowing palate. A confident,
notes are lifted by subtle leafy and herbal tones, with gentle
expressive style with real presence.
French oak adding polish rather than weight. Elegant, balanced
95 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
and drinking beautifully now, with the structure to reward short‑
94 points - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal
to mid‑term cellaring.
94 points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
93 points - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot 92 points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
2025 WINIFRED GRENACHE
92 points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
Winifred Grenache is bright, fragrant and beautifully expressive.
92 points - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
Red fruits, florals and gentle spice flow across a silky, finely textured palate. Elegant and modern, this is Grenache that
2025 EDEN VALLEY RIESLING
celebrates freshness and site.
Pure, precise and finely structured, Eden Valley Riesling delivers
95 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
lifted florals, citrus and mineral drive. The palate is tight and
95 points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
refreshing, with vibrant acidity and impressive length. A wine of
94+ points - Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal
clarity and long‑term promise.
E STAT E FAMILY VI NEYA RD S
95 points - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot 93 points (Special Value) - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
2025 BAROSSA GSM Grenache leads with purity and energy, supported by Shiraz for mid‑palate plushness and Mataro for savoury depth. Bright berry fruits, a hint of musk and earthy spice flow into a vibrant, seamless palate. A fresh, modern Barossa blend designed for immediate enjoyment. Trophy - Best Grenache Dominant Wine of Show, Marananga Wine Show 2026
combines freshness with quiet complexity. Citrus, stone fruit and subtle oak are carried by a finely textured palate. Elegant, balanced and confidently restrained.
2025 EDEN VALLEY FIELD BLEND
2024 BAROSSA SHIRAZ Barossa
Sourced from elevated Eden Valley vineyards, this Chardonnay
92 points - Ken Gargett & Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
94 points - Erin Larkin - The Wine Advocate
classic
2025 EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY
92 points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
Matthew Jukes 100 Best Australian Wines 2026 Report
A
93 points - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot
Shiraz
with
richness,
balance
and
approachability. Dark fruits and spice are supported by soft tannins and subtle oak. Versatile, generous and unmistakably Barossa. 96 points - Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot 93 points - Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate 93 points - Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion 2025 BAROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON *NEW RELEASE* Estate‑grown fruit from Nuriootpa and Craneford delivers a full‑bodied, confident Barossa Cabernet. Rich black forest fruits, dark chocolate and savoury herbal notes are framed by older French oak, finishing with freshness and poise. A classic Elderton style with excellent cellaring potential.
A naturally expressive field blend from Eden Valley, showcasing freshness, complexity and site character. Bright fruit, gentle spice and savoury undertones sit within a lively, textured palate. Distinctive, engaging and wonderfully drinkable. 2023 BULLET SHIRAZ Bullet Shiraz is bold, generous and unmistakably Barossa. Ripe dark fruits, spice and plush tannins combine to create a rich, full‑flavoured style that delivers immediate impact. Approachable, confident and great value, this is Shiraz made to please.
OUT AND ABOUT WITH ELDERTON
1
Send your snaps of Elderton out and about to jack@eldertonwines.com.au
2
3 1, Allister hosted dinner with customers at Little Truffle on the Gold Coast. 2. Cam and Jules behind the stand at Good Food and Wine Show in Sydney. 3. Allister hosting dinner at The Brisbane Club. 4. Allister at the launch of Command and Ashmead at Elderton Cellar Door. 5. Jules enjoying a coffee at Falls Creek Hotel. 6. Allister and Bec at the Alice Springs Golf Club for an Argentinian BBQ. 7. Cam with some new Elderton friends in Kuala Lumpur.
4
8. The Elderton team hosting the Halliday team for an immersive tasting.
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7
6
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