|
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?
 |
|
| 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
Back to top
|
