LANGMEIL | Barossa | Valley Floor Shiraz | 2020
syrah | cabernet sauvignon | petite sirah

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The Langmeil Winery, with deep roots in the Barossa Valley, inherits a legacy that stretches back to the 1840s. This historic winery embodies a quest for excellence, blending old world traditions with new world innovation. Every bottle reflects their dedication to the land and people, paying homage to the heritage of centuries-old australian winemaking.

Today we are going to review a rather exquisite wine from Barossa Valley, which is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions – the Barossa Valley Floor Shiraz 2020 by Langmeil Winery. In a world where bolder is better, syrah is the perfect choice, as it is darker and spicier than cabernet sauvignon and contains a high amounts of health-invigorating antioxidants. Syrah, also known as Shiraz, can be vinified in two major styles: old-world style and new-world style. The old-world syrah wines tend to have more acidity and earthy-herbaceous aromas, while the new-world shiraz wines are usually fruit-driven with lots of spice and hints of smoke. Today’s wine emerges from the fertile lands of South Australia, where the Barossa Valley thrives – a genuine shiraz-based blend (95% syrah, 3% cabernet sauvignon and 2% durif – also known as petite sirah – a grape variety that is rarely found outside of California) from a hot climate, made from grapes that were sourced mainly from the Barossa Valey (96%), with a small portion from Eden Valley (4%), aged for 24 months in big oak hogsheads, from which 14% new american oak and 86% seasoned american and french hogsheadsk.

//Terroir
Nestled within the prestigious Valley Floor, this rich region is marked by its flat topography and varied microclimates, which sets the almost perfect stage for producing outstanding shiraz wines. The fertile, clay and loam-rich soils that retain moisture well, which is essential for viticulture in a hot, dry climate, provide optimal conditions for the growth of shiraz grapes.
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That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results below.

//Visual
color: deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: hazy ruby shades at the rim of the glass

In the glass, this wine presents a deep and opaque ruby color, with hazy ruby shades tapering at the rim, signaling its richness and vibrancy.

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & savory
fruit character: ripe & jammy

On the nose, the wine entices with a rich and nuanced savory aromatic profile. The fruit character is ripe and jammy, dominated by dark fruit notes such as black cherry and plum, layered with spicy nuances of pepper and savory hints of old leather. The complexity further develops with appealing earthy undertones joined by subtle oak hints, making for an intricate bouquet.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: medium+ | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: seedy-crisp

The palate reveals a different story, as the wine unfolds first robust flavors of black cherry and licorice, that are then interwoven with subtle touches of oak from barrel aging. The mouthfeel is ample, round, and well-balanced, thanks to well integrated tannins and majestic acidity that enhance the wine’s overall structure. The finish is long, leaving behind lingering notes of black pepper and elegant earth.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 2-3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is not your typical shiraz wine, rather, it is a delicate and rustic interpretation of an australian shiraz that that is closer to french syrah in style. It’s approachable today yet also holds promises of an aging potential, with an estimated drinking window of 2 to 3 years from now, making it a compelling choice any wine enthusiast.

//Pairing
We recommend pairing this remarkable shiraz with grilled meats, particularly a peppercorn-crusted filet mignon, as the richness of the beef will complement the wine’s silky tannins while highlighting its nuanced spicy and earthy notes.

//Scoring
LANGMEIL | Barossa | Valley Floor Shiraz | 2020
variety: syrah | cabernet sauvignon | petite sirah
country: Australia
region: South Australia | Barossa Valley
rating: 93.5
_________________________________________________________________________//Fun Facts
The Lindner family has deep-seated ties in the Barossa Valley, with their involvement in the local winemaking community for six generations, ensuring a legacy of quality and commitment to their craft.

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