Orphan Bank Shiraz
2017
Chief Winemaker Paul Lindner aims to produce world class wines using Langmeil's own individual style while taking advantage of the distinctive hallmarks of the Barossa. Langmeil ensures that all vineyard sources offer variety as well as the highest quality. Techniques and Philosophies Paul has a passion for utilizing old world and new world technology, minimal handling and filtration techniques, to ensure the full potential of the fruit is captured, resulting in fruit driven wines with subtle...
See the LANGMEIL detail page for more information on this brand
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. These ten rows were referred to as the “Orphans.” After 150 years they have a new home in Barossa Valley's red clay soils (over limestone and ironstone) and in Eden Valley's decomposed granite and sandy loam.
A delayed harvest allowed grapes to ripen more slowly and evenly with a gradual accumulation of sugars and flavours. The wine spent 23 months in 40% new and 60% seasoned French oak hogsheads.
Rich and juicy raspberry and Satsuma plum fill the mouth, with allspice sweetness adding to the mouthfeel. The fruit is well balanced with hints of briary spice and textural, fine-grained tannins on the lengthy finish.
Produced from 10 rows of vines planted pre-1860 that were about to be bulldozed, but saved and replanted at Langmeil, matured for 23 months in French hogsheads (40% new). Curiously 83% Barossa Valley, 17% Eden Valley. It's full-bodied, and the fruit flavours are slightly blurred by the alcohol.
See detailed press review