Langmeil Orphan Bank Shiraz 2014
Product Information:
Orphan Bank is testament to Langmeil’s commitment to preserving old and rare Barossa vineyards. Ten rows of Shiraz planted pre-1860 were saved from the developer’s bulldozer and replanted alongside the original Langmeil vineyard on the banks of the North Para River. They called these ten rows the “Orphans”, but after 150 years they have a new home.
The 2014 season took off to a great start with a much needed soaking winter and early spring rains. The rain was short-lived however adding yet another drought season. This resuled in below average yields, exacerbated by strong wind events during flowering and very hot conditions in January with 14 consecutive days over 40C. Vintage was hot, hard and fast until mid-February. Some heavy rains near the end harvest time, lead to a three-week delay. This time allowed grapes to return to previous ripeness levels. The rest of vintage was mild - extending hang time for great flavour development and resulting in a calm and steady intake of great quality fruit. Overall, a very good vintage with a few anxious moments thrown in. The wines are better for it.
Maker:
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 recognised 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.
Philosophy:
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 Barossa'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.
Nose - Rich Red/Blue Fruits, Cedar, Sage
A rich aroma of red and blue fruits, herbals and cedar, entwine with hints of sage, chocolate and savoury notes.
Palate - Juicy Raspberry, Satsuma Plum, Oak Sweetness
Juicy Raspberry and Satsuma plum fills the mouth, with oak sweetness adding to the mouthfeel.
Finish - Briary Spice, Textured, Fine
Sweet fruit is well balanced with briary spice and textured, fine tannin.
There's some nice fresh blackberry fruit here along with some plums, granite and eucalyptus and ivy character. Full body, fine-grained tannins and a juicy finish. Very succulent. Hard to resist now. - James Suckling.
At first, this wine seems fruity and direct, loaded with dark berry fruit. But over time, it develops more and more oak character, adding notes of cedar, vanilla and mint. It's creamy in texture, with silky tannins, but remains a bit woody on the finish. - Wine Enthusiast.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa, South Australia
Vintage - 2014
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%