Langmeil "The Freedom" 1843 Shiraz 2007

Very deep crimson with purple hues, this rich Shiraz is staggeringly complex on the nose. Satsuma plum, raspberry and hints of blue fruits mingle deliciously with cedar wood, biscuity characters and hints of toasty French oak.

Rich and velvety sweet fruit coats the palate with lovely fine French oak tannins adding to the structure. Hints of briary spice adds to the complexity and with good acidity, the balance is created which carries on through the long and fruitful finish.

Langmeil are sitting on a bit of Australian wine heritage - a three and a half acre vineyard that was planted in 1843 called "The Freedom". Now imagine if one of the top Bordeaux houses had a 167-year-old vineyard - what price would the wine be?

Traditional winemaking Langmeil style; hand picking flavour ripe bunches, gentle crushing, open fermentation and basket pressing into new (70%) and older (23%) French oak barriques for two years, intended to preserve the integrity of the Freedom 1843 vineyard. 

James Halliday: "Colour good, although not especially so; a very distinct change of pace from the '06, the palate only medium-bodied, and in harmony with the red and black fruits of the bouquet, the two-thirds new French oak also stamping its mark. As usual, an echo of sweetness evident." 94 points.

Jay Miller, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Langmeil’s flagship, the 2007 Freedom 1843 Shiraz was sourced from a single vineyard planted in, you guessed it, 1843. These ancient vines produce under 1 ton /acre. The wine spent 24 months in 63% new French oak. Leaner and considerably less opulent than the superb 2006, it is nevertheless a fine effort in a more challenging vintage. It exhibits a complex bouquet of sandalwood, incense, pepper, licorice, and blueberry compote. Full-bodied, flavorful, and nicely balanced, this is an elegant expression of 1843 Shiraz which will benefit from several additional years of cellaring and offer prime drinking from 2012 to 2022."