LANGMEIL ORPHAN BANK SHIRAZ 2021

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"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 River Para. We called these ten rows the "Orphans" but after 150 years they have a new home.

The outstanding 2021 vintage is up there as one of my favourites. Sufficient winter rains revitalised the vines after two consecutive dry, frost-affected and low-yielding years. Spring was near perfect for budburst, flowering and fruit set, enabling vines to flourish and reach their full potential. Summer was gorgeous and mild with slow and even ripening, fantastic colour and flavour development, and acid retention. Finally, an unhurried harvest reduced pressure on fermenter space, cellar hands, and my sanity! As a result, we have captured the personality and quality of every vineyard.

A rich bouquet of red and blue fruits, clove and cedar, entwine with hints of sweet spice, roasted and savoury notes. Rich and juicy raspberry and Satsuma plum fill the mouth, with sweet spice adding to the complexity. The fruit is well balanced with hints of bramble and pepper and textural, fine-grained tannins on the lengthy finish."

Reviews for the 2020 vintage below…

93/100 Dave Brookes, James Halliday's Wine Companion (2020 Vintage)
"There is a distinct edge of smoked meats hovering over the deep satsuma plum and blackberry fruit aromas. Further hints of baking spices, aniseed, blueberry pastries, roasting meats and dark chocolate. A light wash of cedar increases in volume on the palate along with vanilla bean and kirsch, tight fine tannin tugging at the roof of the mouth and an impressive depth on the exit."

93/100 Stuart Knox, The Real Review, January 2023 (2020 Vintage)
"Dense, almost opaque core into a deep ruby rim. Blueberry preserve, rope liquorice and cola spices lift from the glass. A big palate of dark berry fruit that has ample oak spices added to it. Great length and the drive of fruit intensity is well focused by the sandy tannins. Right now the oak sits a little out but time will see that integrate."