Mount Langi Ghiran has long been known for exemplary cool-climate reds, and the 2020 Talus Shiraz is no exception. Cooler conditions during harvest have delivered a black-fruited shiraz of restrained elegance, plenty of spice and outstanding length.
Grapes have been grown in the foothills and valleys of the Grampians’ 360-million-year-old mountain ranges since 1867, making it one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Banksia and hakea trees frame the vineyards, providing a safe habitat for the local cockatoos, while recent plantings of southern Rhône varietals grenache and mourvèdre serve as a buffer against climate change.
As custodians of this slice of Lar-ne-jeering, or ‘the home of the black cockatoo’ in Djab Wurrung language, Mount Langi Ghiran’s key focus has always been sustainability from the ground up. This is reflected in chief winemaker Adam Louder and viticulturist Damien Sheehan's in-depth knowledge of the estate’s vines, soils, waterways, flora and fauna.
Warm days and cool nights ensure a long growing season, which adds to the complexity of the Talus, building the pepper character for which the wine is so well known. A best-parcel selection follows, drawing on smaller parcels and individual rows that display outstanding integrity and precise terroir expression.
Patience in the vineyard is followed by patience in the winery. For the Talus, each barrel is sampled for the trademark elegant dark fruit, complex tannin and nervy natural acidity that makes a wine greater than the sum of its parcels. Barrels marked with a ‘T’ make the cut, spending an average of 15 months in French barriques (around 30 per cent new), patiently waiting to find its place on dinner tables and beside roaring fireplaces across the country.
2020 Mount Langi Ghiran Talus Shiraz
Bright medium garnet in colour. The nose has rich, concentrated red fruits, blackberries, black olives and spice. Generous palate of red and black fruits, blueberries, coffee and licorice. Round mouthfeel afforded by firm, yet persistent, tannin structure and acid drive.
H. What do you love about this wine?
MLG. Talus wines are a true representation of Mount Langi Ghiran’s power and elegance, showcasing a trailblazing cool-climate style from some of the most unique vineyard terroir in Australia. The vines from which we source fruit for Talus average a prime maturity of 30 years of age, rising from an idyllic profile of red clay with the sandy granite washed through the soils to varying degrees across the vineyard.
H. What’s the ultimate food pairing for the Talus Shiraz?
MLG. Duck, lamb or beef for the meat eaters amongst us, but roasted eggplant with goat’s cheese and pine nuts would also be superb!
H. How is this wine best enjoyed?
MLG. In company with food and ideally served between 15–18 degrees in a stemmed glass with a large bowl and slightly tapered opening, as this intensifies the aromas. This is the style of glass we use in our cellar door however, any glass that allows you to fully appreciate the spice and fruit aromas of this wine is ideal.
RRP $60 | Drink to 2040
For more information visit langi.com.au.
