History

Since 2001, the Ashmead family of Elderton Wines has been making small batches of red wines from Eden Valley, and has fallen in love with the differences in character from the Barossa Valley, where Elderton’s Estate vineyards are located. We have been so impressed with the beauty and structure in the wines that we decided to acquire a vineyard on the outskirts of Craneford, which we believe to be one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and capable of producing outstanding varietal wines.

Winemaking

The Eden Valley Cabernet shows distinct regional eucalyptus characters which greatly lifts the aromatic profile. A solid core of blackcurrant, liquorice and cassis makes for a full-bodied structure, balanced by chalky tannins. This wine, along with its Shiraz counterpart, punches well above its weight.

Viticulture

Our Eden Valley vineyard lies just South of the small township of Craneford. Soils, topography and climate varies quite considerably to that of the Barossa Valley floor. It is generally wetter, cooler and the soils tend to be skeletal and minerally. Aspect also varies significantly, with rolling hills and valleys providing much site variation. The Craneford Vineyard is tended to by our own viticulturalist, David Young, and neighbouring vigneron Merv Storton, who both ensure utmost care is taken in every step of the vine cycle.

Awards

•  LiquorLand top 100 2009 - Bronze
•  Winestate Magazine July/August 2009 - Three Stars
•  2008 Royal QLD Wine Show - Bronze
•  2008 New Zealand New World Wine Awards - Gold
•  2008 San Fransisco Wine Show - Bronze
•  London International Wine Challenge 2008 - Silver
•  Winestate Magazine July/August 2008 (Equal Top in Category) - Four stars
•  Winestate Magazine July/August 2008 - Top 40 Best Buys

Reviews

•  Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar Sep/Oct ’08 Issue - Bright ruby. Smoky red- and blackcurrant aromas are complicated by dried flowers and black tea. Sweet and velvety, with open-knit red and dark fruit flavours, soft tannins and a late note of anise. This very easy-to-drink wine finishes with good cut and clarity. 89 points
•  92 Points, Gourmet Wine Traveller - Feb/March 09 Issue - 09 Top new wine releases. The friends here refers to the grape growers. It's fresh and vibrant in its spicy, cedary, blackberry and blackcurrant aromas and flavours. The palate has concentration and depth above its station; it's focused bright and properly ripe.
•  Josh Raynolds - Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar Sept/October Issue - Inky ruby. Powerfully scented bouquet evokes spicy cherry, red berry and vanilla, with a subtle peppery note picking up strength with air. Extremely fresh in the mouth, offering tangy redcurrant and cherry flavors and a spicy, peppery quality. Still extremely young and in need of some patience, or decanting. 89(+) POINTS
•  88/100 - Ray Jordan - Strong black currant aromas with dark plum and light oak. Lush opulent fruit on the palate. From a new vineyard that has been brought by Elderton in 2007. Excited by the new vineyard. Delicious and succulent with obvious fruit intensity. Lovely texture.
•  James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion 2011 - 94 POINTS, rated 'Special value for money' - Perfume is the pivotal element of this wine; redcurrant and a vein of quartz-like minerality run throughout the core of fleshy red fruits; really generous on the palate, and very serious in intent, this is extremely good value cabernet.