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High Praise For The Winemaker Who Took Elderton To Another Level

By Tuesday 20 February 2018No Comments

The Barons of Barossa named Richard Langford as the 2018 Barossa Winemaker of the Year at the Declaration of Vintage on Sunday.

“It is very humbling to be included with such an esteemed list of past recipients, and this is truly a great honour of which I am quietly proud,” Richard says.

Richard took the winemaking helm at Elderton in 2003, managing Elderton’s crush as well as overseeing winemaking for a further 600-1,000 tonnes of contract work for some of the region’s premium labels.

“Richard has worked tirelessly with viticulturist Peter Wild to ensure the highest quality fruit comes from the vineyards that Elderton own and manage,” Elderton co-managing director Cameron Ashmead says.

“We are excited and very proud that Richard has been named Winemaker of the Year.”

Cameron says Richard is relentless at vintage time, working around the clock to guarantee the best outcomes possible.

“In his 14 years with the company, Richard has elevated Elderton’s wines to a new level, winning multiple trophies and countless high scores from all the luminaries of the wine world including Halliday, Parker and Wine Spectator, while protecting the history and traditions of the business set up in 1982,” Cameron says.

Richard has been an integral part of the Barossa Wine Show committee for the past three years and has donated his time to be the chief steward of the show for the past two years. A supporter of the Riesling Spring Tasting, he is also involved in a number of other Barossa committees.

Co-managing director Allister Ashmead says, “We adore Richard for his understanding and attention to detail, work ethic and desire for better practice in all of our operations.

“It is great to see him get some external recognition for his efforts, as a real asset to Elderton and the Barossa Valley community as a whole.”

Allister says Richard is a devoted family man and an avid hunter and fisherman with an enduring passion for wine and food.

The Declaration of Vintage is held on the third Sunday of February each year. The Barons of Barossa come together in Tanunda and celebrate the day with a blessing of grapes at the historic Tabor Church followed by a main street parade. A ceremony is held at Keil Garden and includes the announcement of Winemaker and Vigneron of the Year. Winemaker of the Year has been awarded since 1998.

Dan Falkenberg was named Vigneron of the Year.

Photo credit: Stuart Blackwell (group shot).

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