Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Langmeil Winery has a rich history dating back to 1842, when Christian Auricht established one of the Barossa's first trading villages on the banks of the North Para River and named it Langmeil. Auricht had migrated from Prussia in 1838 seeking religious freedom for his family in the new world. He established a smithy and began tending a mixed farm and in 1843 he planted one acre of Shiraz vines on the estate, which is still producing fruit today. The vineyard is believed to be the oldest surviving Shiraz vineyard in the world and is now the source of Langmeil's icon wine, The Freedom 1843 Shiraz. The winery changed hands several times over the years and in 1996, three local mates collaborated to purchase and restore the property. They revived the old vineyard and named it The Freedom and Langmeil's first harvest from the vineyard was in 1997. Today, Langmeil is family-owned and internationally recognized as one of the Barossa's premium wine producers. The winery attracts visitors from all over the world to its cellar door and the restored village grounds.
Langmeil's commitment to making wines that express and embrace the unique characteristics of the Barossa high country is evident in its custodianship of the historic Eden Valley vineyard, which is home to the Pure Eden Shiraz vineyard and the single vineyard old vine Wattle Brae Riesling and High Road Chardonnay. The Freedom 1843 Shiraz has been lauded by wine critics and was re-classified in the prestigious Langton's Classification VII honour roll in the 'Outstanding' category, which describes "The best of Australian winemaking practices, vineyard provenance and regional voice." The Freedom Cellar, which was originally the Cobbler's shop in the historic trading village, has been restored and is now the ultimate location to sample Langmeil's Old Vine Garden wines as part of an intimately hosted winery and historic vineyard experience.
Medium to deep crimson with purple hues. A rich and lifted nose of blueberry, blackcurrant and black olive, with a hint of cedar, liquorice and sweet spices adding to the complexity. Bright and rich berry fruits coat the palate and combine with brambly spice, hints of black olive and liquorice. Medium to full-bodied with velvety, fine-grained tannins adding to the structure which flows through the long, fruity and spicy finish.
2020 was the smallest vintage in fifty years due to one of the driest growing seasons on record, with spring frosts followed by hot and windy conditions at flowering. The heat continued in December and January with a cooler than average February when the reduced crop ripened quickly. The compressed vintage produced juice of great colour, concentration and flavour, making it a year for rich and fullbodied wines. - Paul Lindner, Chief Winemaker
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Cabernet Sauvignon
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa, South Australia
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%