In 1963 the Fratin family cleared some land and planted, amongst other things, vines. The vines were eventually replanted on Mount Langi Ghiran and, as it mentions on their website, “…created the iconic Langi Old Block Shiraz”.
Most of the fruit was sold to Seppelt Great Western but eventually the Fratins began releasing wine under their own label. The wines were well received but in 1980 the wheels fell off. Cue, the late, Trevor Mast. In 1981 he put on a new set of wheels and everything was back on track. So much so that Trevor and his wife Sandra bought the Mount Langi Ghiran in 1987. The Rathbone family are the current owners with Ben Haines the chief winemaker.
The wine was off to a great start with the intense array of dark fruits on the nose and palate. Yes, I expected and did taste the pepper in the wine but, it was like the fruit dictated it’s presence and appearance so as not to dominate the palate and boy does it hang around. I could’ve almost asked it for board and lodgings it stayed that long on my palate. I reckon it is going to go the distance for quite a few years.
This shiraz may not be the luxury model in the Mount Langi Ghiran range but you would be forgiven for thinking it was. I haven’t had the pleasure of tasting the ‘Langi’ but I can only imagine how good it must be if this, their $30 shiraz, tastes like it does.
A ripper Cliff Edge Shiraz.
Words from a Wine Glass 