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Mount Langi Ghiran
2009 Langi Riesling
A single vineyard wine, and further to this only a small selection of vines from the crest of the hill, where vine vigour is lowest and grape flavours are most concentrated. Very clean ferments with bright natural acidity.
Being cold fermented with no oak and minimal yeast influence, this variety reflects its origins perhaps more than most. The Langi Geisenhiem clone consistently produces lifted, floral aromas, complementing the lime and mineral acidity.
2007 Langi Shiraz
Consistent with Mount Langi Ghiran's approach to getting the most from their old vines, this wine was harvested from successive passes through the Old Block over several weeks. By hand selecting choice fruit from these old vines, the best parcels were separated allowing for this fine wine to shine though. This method leaves a considerable portion of fruit on the vine, but permits the exclusion of shriveled fruit as well as green berries. Moreover, this process responds to the natural variation within the vineyard block caused by aspect, warmth and exposure to wind and sunlight. A small percentage of whole bunch fermentation adds perfume and lift to the nose, and builds further tannic structure.
Mount Langi Ghiran has an unusual soil profile that is rarely found elsewhere in Victoria and indeed Australia. As Mount Langi is an isolated geographic feature, the rock has eroded over time providing a granite topsoil layer in the vineyard. This sits on top of red clay loams and provides further complexity.
The vineyards are situated at the base of the 540 metre cliff face of Mount Langi, at an elevation of 350m above sea level. Approximately 3km opposite is the equally majestic Mount Cole. The two mountains create a cooling effect as cold air tumbles down the mountains. During Autumn, the shadow thrown by the mountain shortens the effective sunshine hours, creating perfect conditions for an extended ripening period. In fact, due to the temperature, Mount Langi Ghiran is one of, if not the last vineyards to be picked in Australia.
The old block at Mount Langi Ghiran, home to the iconic Langi Shiraz was planted to the Swiss clone shiraz. The clone arrived in Australia with Swiss immigrants venturing to Western Victoria in search of gold. The amazing thing about this clone is that is unmodified and it predates phylloxera, a bug that devastated many vines and entire wine regions around the world.
Mount Langi Ghiran
