Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: What is the real story of Shiraz and Viognier? Does the 1-4% Viognier make a difference in the qualities of these wines? Whether the wines hail from Côte-Rôtie or Barossa, these wines have stood the test of time of wines that all wine lovers should indulge in and enjoy. The 2015 Langmeil Hangin' Snakes Shiraz Viognier is beautiful and ready for the table. TASTING NOTES: This wine serves up black fruits, chalk, and bold berries in its aromas and flavors. Perhaps the 4% Viognier added extra life to the Shiraz in this blend? Pair its rich textures with barbecue brisket. (Tasted: August 14, 2018, San Francisco, CA USA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 96% Shiraz and 4% Viognier, the 2015 Shiraz / Viognier Hangin' Snakes displays a deep garnet-purple color and a nose of fresh black currants and black cherries with hints of violets, Provence herbs, cloves and cinnamon stick. The black fruit and spices fill the medium-bodied palate, supported by soft, approachable tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.