Langmeil and the Oldest Shiraz Vines in the World
Planted 1843. Rescued 1996. What to drink from the estate that saved them, from $25 to $475.
The Freedom vineyard in Tanunda was planted in 1843 by Christian Auricht, a blacksmith who arrived with the Prussian families that founded the village of Langmeil a year earlier. It is believed to be the oldest Shiraz vineyard still in production anywhere. The winery that bears the village name is far younger. The site sat derelict until 1996, when Richard Lindner, Carl Lindner and Chris Bitter bought it, restored it, and coaxed the abandoned vines back to a first harvest in 1997.
That contrast runs through everything here. The fruit is old; the winemaking, under Paul Lindner, is modern and unforced. Prices start at $25 and finish at $475, and the steps between are easy to read once you know the vineyard behind each label.
The vineyards behind the labels
Orphan Bank draws on vines averaging more than 85 years old, including parcels linked to pre-1860 plantings. Pure Eden comes from an Eden Valley site believed planted by Charles Angas in the 1890s; Langmeil became its custodian in 2012 and released a first vintage in 2013. The rest of the range works the estate's old-vine holdings across the valley floor.
| Wine | Price | Window | In brief |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Gardens GSM | $25 | Now–2032 | Old-vine Grenache Shiraz Mataro. Raspberry, black cherry, cracked pepper. |
| Valley Floor Shiraz | $30 | Now–2031 | The estate calling card from the historic valley-floor strip. |
| Orphan Bank Shiraz | $74 | 2026–2035 | 85-year-plus vines, parcels back to pre-1860. |
| Pure Eden Shiraz | $164 | 2027–2041 | Single vineyard, Eden Valley, planted 1890s. |
| Lineage Shiraz | $475 | Now–2033 | The flagship, from selected old-vine fruit. |
| Wattle Brae Riesling | $29 | Now–2038 | Mature-vine Eden Valley Riesling, bone dry. |
Four to start with
2023 Valley Floor Shiraz
NoseSatsuma plum, mulberry and blackberry, with sweet spice and chocolate.
PalatePlush and velvety, medium to full. Mocha and vanilla sit behind the dark fruit; the finish is long and gently peppery.
CellarDrink now – 2031 · Peak 2027 – 2030 · Decant 30 min
The benchmark of the range, and it drinks well the day you buy it. Barbecue and roast meats are its natural company.
2023 Orphan Bank Shiraz
NoseBlackberry, plum and boysenberry over black pepper, clove and cedar, with a light smoky edge.
PalateFine-grained tannin and bright acidity. The cool 2023 season traded some richness for freshness, and the wine is better for it.
CellarDrink 2026 – 2035 · Peak 2029 – 2034 · Decant 1 hr
The step from entry Barossa into serious territory. Decant it tonight, or leave it alone until 2026. Steak and slow-cooked lamb.
2021 Pure Eden Shiraz
NoseRaspberry, plum and blackberry with black olive, cedar, white pepper and savoury herbs.
PalateConcentrated yet elegant. Satsuma plum and briary spice build through cocoa to a long, poised finish on fine, velvety tannin.
CellarDrink 2027 – 2041 · Peak 2030 – 2038 · Decant 1–2 hrs
The cellar wine of the range: 1890s vines, high-country freshness, a cool vintage. Patience until 2027 will be repaid.
2026 Wattle Brae Eden Valley Riesling
NoseFresh lime, lemon zest and green apple, with white blossom and wet stone.
PalateBone dry. Piercing acidity and a chalky texture carry the citrus long.
CellarDrink now – 2038 · Peak 2030 – 2035 · Serve 8–10°C
Proof the Barossa's best value is sometimes white. Lovely now; it will build toast and beeswax over a decade or more.
Further up the ladder
The flagship 2018 Lineage ($475) takes the same old-vine material to full concentration: blackberry, dark chocolate, licorice and cedar on velvet tannin, drinking now and over the next decade. Back vintages of Orphan Bank sit alongside it on the Langmeil collection page. For a neighbouring estate with century-old blocks of its own, read our Elderton guide.
Shop the Langmeil collection →
Chasing a specific vintage? info@winemore.com.au · Wine More Cellars, Chadstone