BUZZ S E P T E MB E R 2 024
2021 COMMAND - AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC As we sit here in the magnificent
Neil and Lorraine Ashmead rescued
foresight was from the first generation of
Barossa Valley in the middle of an early
this vineyard from certain destruction
Ashmeads to put the effort into bringing
and warm spring, it really is quite hard
after they purchased the very rundown
this almost derelict vineyard back to its
to not be absolutely captivated by the
and dilapidated vineyard in 1979/1980,
former glory and beyond.
beauty of this region that has been
as other grape growers were taking
growing grapes for nearly 200 years.
payment from the government to
Sitting among a lush green carpet of native grasses and clovers, the thick
remove similar vinous treasures from the ground.
Today, second generation owners Cameron and Allister are forging ahead in their family’s fifth decade of making top notch wine from this now 130-year-old
and gnarled trunks of the ‘Ancestor’
There may have been some naivety
vineyard. The family are now celebrating
1894 Command Shiraz vines rise from
from the fledgling owners to the reality
the launch of the 35th Command Shiraz,
this greenery, looking proud and utterly
of the troubles that the Barossa faced
since inception in 1984.
resplendent whilst waiting for budburst
through the late 70s and early 80s, but
to occur.
history will showcase how remarkable the
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