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The
New Barossa
Part 4:
Langmeil
 Langmeil
is another place with a sense of history. The Freedom vineyard here
was planted in 1843, and these venerable old vines, planted on their
own roots (as are most vines in the Barossa) still survive to this
day. The recently renovated stone cottages (one is pictured, right)
also date from this time – ancient history by Australian
standards.
Langmeil has undergone a recent rebirth experience,
which, despite the history, puts it firmly into 'new Barossa'
territory.
This used to be the Bernkastel vineyard, and before
that it was Paradale, a label which began life in the 1930s. In
fact, to give you a flavour for the old ways in the Barossa,
there’s a poster in the winery advertising the Paradale wares.
It’s hard to judge how old it is, but it’s likely from the
1950s. On offer are five different Ports, two Sherries, two Muscats
and two ‘beverage wines': a Hock and a Claret. Don't you just
love it?
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| Two
old vines from the Freedom vineyard, now trellised and pruned
to canes (or rods, as they are known here). It's amazing that
the one on the right still bears fruit, with its split trunk. |
After a leisurely morning stroll around the vineyard
and winery (this was my first appointment early on Friday), it was
time to taste the wines. First three whites: these are mainly for
cellar door sales, to keep the punters happy. 80% of the production
here is red, and it's the reds where the action is.
Langmeil
Riesling 2003 Eden Valley
Fresh, crisp and limey with nice definition. Very good+ 87/100
Langmeil
Chardonnay 2003
40% barrel fermented in French oak. Classy, toasty nutty nose.
Well judged oak on the palate: this is fresh and has good acidity.
Very good+ 88/100
Langmeil
Semillon 2003
Crisp and lemony with a nice spicy, toasty overlay. Crisp. Very
good+ 88/100
Langmeil
Bella Rouge Rosé 2004
Sweet nose with very bright strawberry/cherry fruit. Appealing
and fun with soft red fruit flavours on the palate. Brilliantly
done. Very good+ 86/100
Langmeil
SGM 2003
The classic Barossa blend, with Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro
(Mourvèdre). Really nice savoury, spicy palate with good definition
and a nice spicy structure. Very good+ 88/100
Langmeil
Cabernet 2001
Some sweet black fruits on the nose. The palate shows a minty,
herby edge to the well defined fruit. Nicely savoury. Very good+
88/100
Langmeil
Cabernet 2002 (now named 'The Blacksmith')
Very nice blackcurranty fruit with a minty edge. Lovely rich,
slightly herbaceous blackcurrant fruit palate with spicy structure.
Delicious. Very good/excellent 90/100
Langmeil
Barossa Grenache 'The Fifth Wave' 2001
I like Grenache. It's not as obvious as Shiraz, but it has its
own qualities. This one is picked fairly late, so it gets more
cherry character, but ends up 15.5% alcohol - it seems the key with
Grenache is not to be afraid of alcohol, because unless it's really
ripe you don't get the interest. This shows a richness of fruit with
a nice savoury structure: very ripe and spicy. A full style of
Grenache. Very good+ 89/100
Langmeil
'Valley Floor' Shiraz 2002
A regional blend. Smoky, spicy nose with nice definition. The
palate shows a lovely weight of spicy, well defined fruit. Not a
blockbuster style: more nicely structured with good balance. Very
good/excellent 91/100
Langmeil
Barossa Shiraz The Freedom 2002
Just 500 cases from these ancient vines (the ones pictured
above). Sweet black fruits nose. The palate shows nice structure
with a spicy edge to the rich fruit. Very elegant with smooth
tannins and a spicy finish. Plenty of concentration but lovely
structure and balance too. Very good/excellent 93/100
Langmeil
Vintage Port 2000
A Shiraz. Sweet toffee/caramel edge to the red fruits. Lovely
structure and weight on the sweet fruity palate - needs time for the
spirit to integrate. Very good+ 89/100
Langmeil Tawny Port
Mainly Grenache. Nicely evolved 'tea and raisin' style with some
earthiness under the sweet grapey fruit. Very good+ 87/100
Langmeil
Liquor Shiraz Tawny 1985
Very nice complexity to the nose, which shows spice, toffee and
raisins. The palate is concentrated and rich with lots of spice,
some elegance, and almost perfect balance. Very good/excellent
93/100
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