Langmeil, Valley Floor Shiraz 2012

The Barossa Valley is synonymous with Shiraz and while there are any number of sub-regions around the townships of Lyndoch, Tanunda, Williamstown and Nuriootpa, it’s impossible to fault any of them for the quality of their vineous produce.

So, when I recently visited the Langmeil Estate near Tanunda, the reasoning behind the creation of the Valley Floor Shiraz became clear. Winemaker, Paul Lindner, has used Shiraz fruit from 19 different sites across the Barossa Floor (hence its moniker) and crafted a classic Barossarian which shows all the hallmarks of the region. There’s the unmistakable ruby red with a slight purple hue on the edge of the glass while the long legs of its 15% alcohol show themselves as it swirls around the rim. Take a whiff and the intensity of the dark fruit becomes obvious with perhaps a hint of cocoa and spice as well.

But the real beauty of the wine is on the palate where the plum and blackcurrant flavours develop a spicy clove edge before being corralled through the finish by supportive tannins.

Using fruit from across the wider region make the Valley Floor a faithful representative of the Barossa region and at around $25 a bottle, it’s certainly not overpriced.