Langmeil Orphan Bank Shiraz 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.
Orphan Bank is a testament to Langmeil's commitment to preserve Baorssa's old Vine Gardens. Ten rows of original vigneron Christian Auricht's pre-1860 Shiraz vines were saved from the bulldozer, the 'orphans' replanted alongside Auricht's original vineyards on the banks of the River Para at Langmeil's Cellar Door.
Langmeil Orphan Bank Shiraz has a medium to deep crimson colouring with purple hues in the glass. A rich bouquet of red and blue fruits, herbs and cedar, entwine with hints of sage, roasty and savoury notes. Rich and juicy raspberry and Satsuma plum fill the mouth, with allspice sweetness adding to the mouthfeel. The fruit is well balanced with hints of briary spice and textural, fine-grained tannins on the lengthy finish. Pair this stunning Barossa shiraz with rabbit stifado; pork or duck roast; mushroom risotto; roasted vegetable tartlet; matured cheese platter.
Enjoy now or cellar to 2034.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa, South Australia
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%