Langmeil Jackaman’s Barossa Valley Fifth Wave Grenache 2006 $30
Langmeil Jackaman’s Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $50
Langmeil’s ‘Old Vine Garden’ wines reviewed here today present the gentle, distinctive flavours derived from old-to-very-old central and southern Barossa vines. Jackaman’s Vineyard, from Lyndoch (southern Barossa), produces the full, fleshy, lively and pure Fifth Wave Grenache from vines planted in 1953 – and the intense, elegant, soft cabernet from vines planted in 1964. In both wines (indeed in all of the Langmeil wines) fruit comes before winemaking artifice. They’re gloriously complex and satisfying with deep, sweet, juicy fruit flavours. See www.langmeilwinery.com.au for the full story.
Langmeil Orphan Bank Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006 $50
This wine was sourced from three old vineyards – two near Tanunda (central Barossa) and one near Williamstown, towards the region’s southernmost boundary. The Tanunda vines, planted in the 1860s, were uprooted after this vintage but not before Langmeil successfully transplanted 300 of them to their own vineyard on the banks of the North Para River, on the western edge of Tanunda, in 2006 and 2007. These distinguished old vines, located on what is now called the Orphan Bank vineyard, will produce future vintages of this wine. It’s a rich, fine, expression of the district style.
Langmeil The Freedom 1843 Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006 $100
Langmeil’s showpiece comes from vines believed to have been planted by Christian Auricht in 1843. The vines survived, somewhat battered, until 1996 when they were revived by new owners, Barossa veterans Richard Lindner, Carl Lindner and Chris Bitter. They’ve been producing a single-vineyard shiraz since 1997. If you’re in the Barossa, Langmeil is a ‘must visit’ – both for the quality of the wines and for a look at these marvellous old vines. The Langmeil crew are delivering what will be the lifeblood of Australia’s wine industry once the world recovers from its current malaise – beautiful, natural, wines that express the local flavours. This is as fine, supple and lovely as Barossa shiraz gets.
Copyright © Chris Shanahan 2009