Grampians 14.0% Screwcap $85
Mount Langi Ghiran’s ‘Langi’ Shiraz has a distinguished past with some excellent wines made under the stewardship of Trevor Mast but, for me, since the 2006 there has been undeniable evidence of a change in direction as current chief winemaker Dan Buckle has brought his vision to bear on the way the Langi ‘Old Block’ vineyard was to be interpreted. A more medium-bodied expression emerged, committed to balanced oak, brighter fruit, integrated whole bunch techniques and an overall sense of finesse.
The 2009 Langi is a continuation of this direction. The whole bunches impart a lilting, floral perfume and strengthen the structure underpinning the wine. A woodsy bouquet – cedar, plums, boysenberry, blue forest fruits, violets and cinnamon with a little peppered beef and the faintest suggestion of pine. Understated toasty mocha oak.
Tremendous depth combined with a sense of delicacy. The flavours are tightly knit and give the convincing impression that they just “belong”. It’s complexly spiced but seasoned to perfection. The minerality, evident on back palate, is both a flavour and a shape – but perhaps more important than either of those is the sense of clean refreshment that it imparts. When the finish eventually lets up it begs you to take another sip.
The rating is conservative. It’s a young wine with a very exciting future. To be released in November. Excellent – Exceptional
Winery website- http://www.langi.com.au/