2013 Langmeil Orphan Bank Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Medium depth crimson with purple hues. Intense and lifted perfume of blue fruits, violets and chocolate, entwine with hints of sage, cedar, and white peppery spice. Juicy raspberries and Satsuma plum fills the mouth, with lovely oak sweetness adding to the mouthfeel. The fruit is wonderfully balanced with briary and white pepper spice and textured, fine tannin. Cellaring potential: now to 2025.

Vines planted 1860, 10 rows relocated after 150 years; basket-pressed, open-fermented, matured for 2 years in French oak. Unsurprisingly rich and layered blackberry/blackcurrant fruit with notes of earth and licorice, yet all this comes in a measured way. Excellent oak and tannin balance.