Langmeil is one of the most historic estates in the Barossa Valley, named for a trading village on the North Para River that was established in 1843. The owners, the Lindner family, are Barossa natives who’ve been a part of the region’s wine scene for six generations. Among its extensive vineyard holdings is the “Freedom” vineyard, one of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the world.

Langmeil adds a small amount (2%) of Viognier into this Shiraz, in an homage to old school Côte-Rôtie, although it would hardly be confused with Côte-Rôtie in a blind tasting. Sourced from 10- to 20-year-old vines in deep red clay soils over limestone, the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and matured in used oak barrels for about 10 months before bottling.

The triumph here is how this wine oozes Syrah/Shiraz character without being over-extracted or sweet. There’s nice balance and lots of roasted meat/black pepper savor to complement the saturated black plum and mulberry notes. Adding to the rich tapestry are notes of baking spice, mocha, and brandied cherries. This is a voluptuous red to try alongside BBQ ribs or brisket slathered in sauce (trust us!).