Undiscovered Wine Haven of Langhorne Creek, Australia Reveals Its Premium Vintages
Discovering Hidden Gems: Langhorne Creek's Top Wines
For wine enthusiasts seeking new horizons, Langhorne Creek in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula offers a treasure trove of undiscovered delights. Often overshadowed by its more celebrated counterparts, this region boasts a rich history and a distinctive terroir that sets it apart.
One of the region's oldest wineries, Bleasdale, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, a testament to the area's enduring appeal. The Murray River, Australia's longest, flows nearby, contributing to the region's broad alluvial soils that benefit from irrigation during winter.
The top 10 wines from Langhorne Creek are primarily Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties, showcasing the region's strength in red wines. Here are some noteworthy bottles to try:
- Noon Winery Reserve Shiraz – This full-bodied, complex Shiraz offers dark berries, spice, and molasses notes, renowned for its balance, longevity, and elegance. Best enjoyed now through 2035.
- Bremerton Old Adam Shiraz 2021 – A globally recognised Shiraz with a 4.2 rating on Vivino, this wine is a testament to Langhorne Creek's quality.
- Mollydooker Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz 2021 – Another highly ranked Shiraz (4.2 on Vivino), Mollydooker's offering is known for its richness and intensity.
- McGuigan Hand Made Shiraz 2016 – This well-regarded Shiraz, also with a 4.2 rating, represents solid quality in the region.
- Bremerton Selkirk Shiraz 2021 – A 4.1-rated Shiraz from Langhorne Creek, Bremerton's Selkirk is another standout.
- Bremerton Coulthard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 – Among the top Australian Cabernets, this Langhorne Creek wine scores 4.4 on Vivino, noted for its balance and richness.
- Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet 2022 – A well-known value Shiraz-Cabernet blend from Langhorne Creek, acclaimed for consistent quality and value over many years.
- Other Bremerton Shiraz wines – Bremerton produces several strong single-vineyard Shiraz wines from Langhorne Creek, highly rated globally.
Langhorne Creek's wines are distinguished by their rich fruit concentration, fine balance, and aging potential, particularly Shiraz and Cabernet blends. Wineries like Noon Winery, Bremerton, Mollydooker, McGuigan, and Lake Breeze are commended for their ability to combine elegance with power.
While the region's reputation leans towards red wines, further exploration may uncover hidden gems in Chardonnay or other white wine varieties. For now, these top 10 wines offer a mix of highly rated, evocative expressions of Langhorne Creek's distinctive terroir and style.
[1] Noon Winery Reserve Shiraz: [Link to article] [2] Bremerton, Mollydooker, McGuigan, and Lake Breeze: [Link to article] [3] Bremerton Coulthard Cabernet Sauvignon: [Link to article] [4] Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet: [Link to article] [5] Other Bremerton Shiraz wines: [Link to article]
Immersing oneself further in Langhorne Creek's offerings, one might also discover unique food-and-drink pairings that complement the region's distinctive red wines. The local cuisine is influenced by the nearby Murray River, with fresh seafood and produce from home-and-garden gardens playing integral roles.
A memorable lifestyle experience in Langhorne Creek could include savoring a glass of Noon Winery Reserve Shiraz with succulent river prawns, or enjoying a picnic in a home-and-garden setting amidst blooming gardens while appreciating the smooth, irresistible flavors of a Lake Breeze Bernoota Shiraz Cabernet blend.
