Sipping History: Why Langmeil Shiraz Has Us Hooked at Windmill Cellar

At The Tasting Class, we always keep an eye out for standout producers, and when we see a great selection from a winery we love, we get a little giddy. That’s exactly what happened when we spotted the range of Langmeil Wines available at Windmill Cellar.

Langmeil is one of the true gems of the Barossa Valley, and not just for the exceptional wines they produce. The winery itself is steeped in history. Established in 1842, Langmeil is built around one of the oldest surviving winery sites in Australia. The winery’s original vineyard—planted in 1843—is still producing fruit today and is now known as The Freedom Vineyard, home to the oldest known Shiraz vines in the world.

This commitment to preserving and celebrating history is at the heart of Langmeil’s philosophy. In the 1990s, the Lindner family—a sixth-generation Barossa family with deep roots in viticulture and winemaking—brought Langmeil back to life, carefully restoring the old winery buildings and reviving the ancient vineyard. Since then, they’ve combined traditional techniques with modern craftsmanship to create wines that tell the story of the Barossa’s rich past while remaining relevant and exciting for today’s wine lovers.

Windmill Cellar carries an impressive array of Langmeil wines, but it’s their Shiraz selection that really gets our hearts racing. Australia is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, thanks to its fortunate escape from the phylloxera plague that wiped out much of Europe’s vineyards in the 19th century. Langmeil has played a major role in preserving these old vines and putting them to exceptional use.

Here are three Shiraz expressions from Langmeil that we’re especially excited about:

The Freedom 1843 Shiraz

This is Langmeil’s crown jewel. Made from the original 1843 vines, this wine isn’t just rare—it’s living history in a bottle. These ancient vines produce tiny yields of deeply concentrated fruit, resulting in a wine that’s powerful, layered, and incredibly elegant. Expect rich notes of dark cherry, blackberry, baking spice, and a smooth, lingering finish. A true collector’s piece and a must-try for anyone passionate about Shiraz or historic vineyards.

Orphan Bank Shiraz

This wine has a story all its own. In the early 2000s, a block of old Shiraz vines—some over 100 years old—was under threat from urban development. Langmeil stepped in, carefully relocating the vines to their estate vineyard, giving them a second life. Aged in French oak, the Orphan Bank Shiraz is as bold and structured as its backstory, with ripe plum, blackberry, vanilla, and a touch of earthy spice. It’s complex, expressive, and wonderfully drinkable.

Steadfast Shiraz Cabernet

Don’t let its everyday-friendly price fool you—this wine overdelivers. The Steadfast Shiraz is Langmeil’s way of bringing Barossa brilliance to your weekly wine ritual. It’s lush and fruit-driven with generous flavours of cherry, raspberry, and black pepper, all wrapped in smooth tannins and a juicy finish. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a relaxed gathering, this bottle is a crowd-pleaser through and through.

So next time you’re browsing at Windmill Cellar, don’t skip over the Langmeil section—especially if you’re a Shiraz fan. Whether you’re diving into the depths of history with The Freedom, sipping on the story-rich Orphan Bank, or just stocking up on the deliciously dependable Steadfast, you’re in for a treat.