- 97 points -

It feels lightish at first but it's not. As it breathes it builds and builds. Before long, the full size and extent is apparent. This is a monumental red wine, as seamless as it is solid, its folds of sweet coffee and black berried flavour sweeping through the palate with quite irresistible force. Tannin is brilliantly well handled; its the axis around which the density revolves. This wine doesn't tilt at or hope for quality, it declares it.

- 97 points -

Shiraz sourced from a gnarled old patch of 177-year-old vines at the Langmeil estate in Tanunda; 26 months in French oak. A great release of the Freedom from the strong 2021 vintage. Deeply coloured with superb depth of fruit, concentration, texture and balance. Deeply resonant blackberry and dark plum fruits, packed with layers of spice, licorice, dark chocolate, roasting meats and earth. It's got a wonderful flow on the palate. Rich and elegant with a real sense of latent power, compact tannins and a finish that shows great persistence and carry. A good bet for the cellar.

- 96 points -

This ancient parcel of shiraz has delivered an exceptional wine in 2016 with immensely ripe blackberry, dark-plum, fresh-earth and spiced-chocolate notes. The palate has impressive depth and poise with a really effortless delivery of rich, plush blackberries that hold an exceptionally long and regal finish. Dangerously approachable now, but much more to come for those who wait.

- 96 points -

Believed to be planted in 1843, the Langmeil Freedom vineyard, just on the outskirts of Tanunda on the banks of the Para River, is one of the region's great sites. I sometimes think these ancestor vines must have some sort of memory; filing away all that data of growing seasons past and perhaps possessing an innate ability to self-regulate during stressful years. Regardless, it's a wonderful wine. Calm and very comfortable in its own skin, with rich plum and berry fruits, a lovely textural flow, superfine river-silt tannins and a savoury wash of spicy fruit and finish that carries admirably.

- 95 points -

You know, when you drink the Freedom 1843, I think you want the concentration and intensity dialed up to 11. They're very old vines. Well, good news: It is. This 2019 The Freedom 1843 Shiraz is luscious and plush but not overdone; the intensity has been pushed right out and accelerated but harnessed at the same time. The wine is complete, pleasurable and harmonious. Excellent. Very big, but excellent.

- 95 points -

Langmeil's 2017 The Freedom 1843 Shiraz is a more savory vintage than many others, boasting scents of black olives, licorice and espresso against a backdrop of dark fruit. Yet it's full-bodied, concentrated and generous on the palate, avoiding any sense of austerity and finishing long and plush. It should drink well for 15 years or more.

- 95 points -

GOLD MEDAL - 2021 Halliday Wine Companion Awards

The wine was matured in French hogsheads and barriques (44% new) for 24 months. It's an important wine, and a good one...

- 95 points -

GOLD MEDAL

A velvety and rich wine with a deep, smoky quality alongside blackcurrant jam and mint. Chock-full of complexity on the nose and very persistent, savoury finish. A fantastic example of this style.

- 93 points -

Red Charming, oozing with dark chocolate, gingerbread, plush framboise and black cherry flavors. The tannins are plump and fleshy, offering details of espresso, clove and tobacco, gaining momentum on the long, expressive finish.

- 93 points -

One of the oldest plots in the region. The oak casts a resinous layer over the aromas of plum cake, raisins, blackberries and dried purple flowers. The palate delivers rich blackberry flavors, smooth and ultra-ripe tannins...

- 93 points -

Aromas of crushed plums, red cherries, grilled meat and elderberries. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy and rich. Black fruit with some resin character. Solid intensity and length with an earthy finish.