Elderton Ode to Lorraine Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2017

A Cabernet/Shiraz/Merlot blend was added to the Elderton portfolio from the 1992 vintage. It was a belief that through blending only the best parcels of fruit from the Elderton vineyard, a truly wondrous and complete wine could be made that showed the highlights of the three grape varieties. The decision was made from the 2002 vintage onwards for it to be renamed (from CSM) in honour of the co founder of Elderton, Lorraine Ashmead. The winemaking team at Elderton believe the Ode to Lorraine is truly the hidden gem in the Elderton portfolio of premium reds.

Estate grown on the Nuriootpa vineyard, with deep alluvial silt over red and brown earths and limestone. The fruit is sourced from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot blocks planted between 1914 and 1985.

“Abundant winter rain and a mild spring allowed for healthy canopy growth and fruit set for the 2017 vintage. Our Ode to Lorraine is a blend of old vine Cabernet and Shiraz with a touch of Merlot, all from our Nuriootpa vineyard. Fruit is fermented in open cement vats and pressed off to a combination of new and 1-2 year old French oak for malolactic fermentation and development over 2 years. This is Elderton’s play on the Australian classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Careful barrel selection and blending ensures a balance of freshness and spice from the dominant Cabernet Sauvignon and fleshy fruit from Shiraz with Merlot helping to seamlessly bring the wine together. A great wine to age, the Ode to Lorraine is also super attractive as a youngster.” - Jules Ashmead and Brock Harrison