2019 Langhi Shiraz – Mount Langhi Ghiran.
If there is one variety that speaks to Australian wine it has to be Shiraz. Australia has coined this variety and made it its calling-card. This powerful and intense grape is known to produce full bodied and complex wines, often with high alcohol levels. In this review we are discussing a Shiraz that stands out from many of those, originating from a cool-climate area, Grampians in Victoria.
We will take a look at the 2019 Langhi Shiraz, Mount Langhi Ghiran’s top wine.
About the Winery
Located in the scenic Grampians region of Victoria, Australia, Mount Langi Ghiran Winery is a benchmark of cool climate winemaking, renowned for the iconic Langi Shiraz. Founded in 1969, the winery’s name, derived from the Aboriginal term for “home of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo,” reflects the area’s rich cultural heritage.
The vineyard’s roots date back to the late 1800s, but its modern era began with the Fratin family, Italian immigrants who revitalized the vineyard in 1969. The Fratin brothers—Don, Lino, and Serge—dreamed of recreating their homeland, planting a variety of vines and even chestnuts, walnuts, and fruit trees.
Facing challenges with their 1980 vintage, the Fratins enlisted the help of winemaker Trevor Mast. In 1986, Trevor, with his wife Sandra and Ian Menzies, purchased the winery, driving it to new heights with his vision for cool climate Shiraz. His innovative approach garnered national and international acclaim, establishing the Langi Shiraz as a premier wine. The Rathbone family acquired the winery in 2002, further elevating its status, with Trevor remaining head winemaker until 2004.
Trevor’s legacy continued through winemakers like Dan Buckle and, in 2018, Adam Louder, who returned to Mount Langi Ghiran as Chief Winemaker. Adam, alongside Viticulturist Damien Sheehan and the winemaking team, remains dedicated to upholding the winery’s tradition of excellence.
Today, Mount Langi Ghiran stands as a symbol of quality and innovation. The Langi Shiraz is celebrated for its elegance and complexity, reflecting the unique Grampians terroir. The winery’s journey from the Fratin family’s vision to its current acclaim under Adam Louder highlights a relentless pursuit of excellence. As Mount Langi Ghiran looks to the future, it remains committed to producing some of Australia’s finest wines, ensuring its legacy endures for generations.
About the Wine
The 2019 Langi Shiraz from Mount Langi Ghiran is a stellar representation of cool climate Shiraz, embodying the essence of its unique terroir. This wine is produced from selectively hand-harvested fruit originating from the Old Block, planted in 1969. The vineyard’s undulating terrain in the Grampians region of Victoria, Australia, contributes to the complex and refined character of the wine.
Mount Langi Ghiran’s Old Block is renowned for its isolated position and microclimate, fostering vines that produce fruit of exceptional quality. The vineyard, planted with the Swiss Shiraz clone in 1969, thrives on ancient soils, creating a perfect synergy between the site and the variety.
In May 2019, the grapes were hand-picked and fermented in small open-top fermenters, with 90% whole berry and 10% whole bunch. This meticulous fermentation process, including a mixture of plunging and pump-overs, ensures the retention of the fruit’s pure qualities. Natural yeasts initiate the fermentation, and post-fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, 60% of which are new. This aging process imparts additional complexity and structure to the wine.
Now on to our tasting notes:
The wine pours a deep, concentrated crimson, indicating its richness and depth. The nose offers a bouquet that is intense and inviting, with aromas of black cherries, blackberries, mulberries, liquorice, and roses. These elements blend seamlessly, offering a powerful yet elegant aroma.
On the palate, this cool-climate Shiraz is a harmonious blend of tightly woven dark fruits. Black cherries and blackberries dominate, supported by velvety tannins. The wine’s complexity is enhanced by notes of mocha, toast, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a multi-layered tasting experience. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, providing a smooth, mouth-coating texture that lingers long after each sip.
The wine’s structure is robust yet refined, with balanced acidity and a long, persistent finish. The alcohol content of 14.8% is well-integrated, contributing to the wine’s overall balance and elegance.
Conclusion
The 2019 Langi Shiraz from Mount Langi Ghiran is a true expression of its cool climate origin. Its deep crimson hue, complex nose, and sophisticated palate reflect the exceptional quality and meticulous care that go into its production. This wine is a testament to the vineyard’s unique terroir and the winemaking team’s dedication to excellence. Perfect for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring, the 2019 Langi Shiraz is poised to age gracefully, offering increased depth and complexity over time. For those seeking a benchmark cool climate Shiraz, this iconic wine from Mount Langi Ghiran is an exemplary choice.
We reward this Shiraz with a 95-point DWA score.
This review is written by our own Niels Aarts. The Langhi Shiraz is available through Wexxs Wijnen in their shop in Blaricum (NL).
Price: €100,00
Taste date: March 2024
Score: 95/100 DWA Score
Website: Mount Langhi Ghiran