Langmeil Orphan Bank Shiraz 2023

Langmeil Orphan Bank Shiraz is powerful Barossa Shiraz with enough freshness and fine detail to keep all that richness neatly composed. Raspberry, Satsuma plum and darker blue fruit meet clove, cedar, pepper and savoury spice, carried by fine-grained tannins through a long, polished finish. The story is almost as good as the wine: ten rows of pre-1860 Shiraz were rescued from a developer’s bulldozer and replanted beside Langmeil’s original vineyard on the North Para River. Deep, layered and built for slow-cooked beef, roast duck or mature cheese - and a strong argument for keeping property developers away from old vines.

What the winery says:

Orphan Bank reflects Langmeil’s commitment to preserving the Barossa’s old and rare vineyards. The wine is drawn from old-vine Shiraz parcels and matured for two years in French oak, building depth while retaining its lifted fruit and energy. Red and blue fruits, clove and cedar are joined by sweet spice, roasted and savoury notes, leading into juicy raspberry and Satsuma plum. Bramble, pepper and finely textured tannins bring balance and structure through the lengthy finish.

What the experts say:

Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 95/100
“Colossal pepper/spice and dried herb flavours that endure very long on the after-palate. Decadent stuff.”

Erin Larkin, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 94/100
“I love the suppleness and freshness of this wine... it does so with brilliant composure.”

Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion, 93/100
“Full bodied; the flow of fruit is bright and energetic, the tannins silty and chewy and the finish sails on persistently.”