The 2018 Langton’s Classification VII, released today, showcases Australia’s 136 best performing and most treasured wines, with 13 new entrants making their way into the list.
This year marks 30 years of Langton’s Classification, and celebrates more female winemakers and CEOs than ever before, with more than 40 percent of the Exceptional category having females at the helm.
New entrants include By Farr Tout Pres Pinot Noir, Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards HJ Reserve Shiraz, The Standish Wine Company The Standish Single Vineyard Shiraz, and Hoddles Creek 1er Pinot Noir.
Penfolds Grange Shiraz holds on to the title of Australia’s most collectible wine thanks to its historic importance and legendary performance at auction.
Released every four years, the Classification is considered to be the highest accolade an Australian wine can achieve, and highlights the development and growing demand for Australian fine wine. This edition covers 30 years of influence, charting the progress of Australian wine through three decades of auction market trading.
The Classification VII ranks wines in three categories: Exceptional, Outstanding and Excellent. The classification is compiled by analysing the track record of fine wine in Australia’s leading wine auction market, including prices and volume of demand over a long period of time. It is a unique rating system based on consumer demand rather than a single opinion, and therefore rates more accurately Australia’s finest wines.
Langton’s GM Jeremy Parham said: “With over 450,000 bottles of wine and 600,000 bids analysed, the wines in the Classification are a true reflection of the most collected and in demand wines produced in Australia. Penfolds Grange has again solidified its position as Australia’s most collectible wine. It has also been exciting to see new entrants such as Deep Woods and Oliver’s Taranga make the list.”
The Classification also includes the first ever Heritage Five category, which lists the very best wines within the Exceptional category and along with Penfolds Grange, includes Henschke Hill of Grace, Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay, Mount Mary Quintet Cabernet Blend and Wendouree Shiraz, reflecting their celebrated status and ground-breaking influence within Australia’s fine wine scene.
Andrew Caillard MW, Langton’s co-founder, said, “The purpose of Langton’s Classification is to generate consumer confidence in Australian fine wine by highlighting the auction performance and reputation of the country’s leading collectible or cellaring style wines. It has followed the progress of the ultra-fine Australian wine scene since 1990 and provides collectors with a unique insight into the market.”
Tamara Grischy, Langton’s head of wine auctions said, “The release of the 7th edition marks 30 years of Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine. This is a landmark achievement, reflecting three decades of building a secondary market for fine Australian wine. Classification VII also tells the story of our heritage, the significance of vineyard sites and the progression of generations. It is also a form guide for avid collectors and everyday wine drinkers who are looking to buy and enjoy Australia’s most revered wines.”
Red grape varietals dominate the Langton’s Classification VII, taking 85 percent (117) of the coveted positions. Intensely flavoured Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, from Australia’s classic wine regions are continued favourites. Victorian Pinot Noir also makes a strong appearance, reflecting the increasing popularity of this variety.
Jeremy Parham said, “While the market still loves Shiraz and Cabernet, consumers are recognising the age of our vineyards, the dedication of our winemakers and diversity of wine styles. It is exciting to see the historic Best’s Great Western Thompson’s Reserve Shiraz, based on 1868 vines, join the Exceptional category. It is a wonderful example of the Australian fine wine aesthetic.”
A number of elegant Chardonnays have been recognised, with three new additions to the Classification, including Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay, Oakridge Estate 864 Chardonnay and Vasse Felix Heytesbury Chardonnay. This widely loved varietal also made it into the Heritage Five, with the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnay honoured for its historic influence.
South Australia leads Classification VII with 75 wines, largely thanks to the continued ascendancy of the Barossa Valley. Classification VII also recognises Australia’s classic wine regions including Margaret River, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale, Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley and the emerging Canberra District.
Langton’s will take the Classification around the country from Saturday 1 September, giving wine lovers the unique opportunity of tasting, comparing and contrasting over 130 of Australia’s finest wines in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. All participants will be given the highly collectible Classification VII book, published in hardback by Hardie Grant.
Find out more about these extraordinary events and book a spot www.langtons.com.au/events .
The wines listed in Classification VII will be available to purchase through Langton’s online auctions from September.
Classification VII
Exceptional
PENFOLDS Bin 95 Grange Shiraz, South Australia
HENSCHKE Hill of Grace Shiraz, Eden Valley
MOUNT MARY Quintet Cabernet Blend, Yarra Valley
WENDOUREE Shiraz, Clare Valley
LEEUWIN ESTATE Art Series Chardonnay, Margaret River
BASS PHILLIP Reserve Pinot Noir, South Gippsland
BEST’S Thomson Family Great Western Shiraz, Grampians
BROKENWOOD WINES Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, Hunter Valley
CHRIS RINGLAND Shiraz, Barossa
CLARENDON HILLS Astralis Syrah, McLaren Vale
CLONAKILLA Shiraz Viognier, Canberra District
CULLEN Diana Madeline Cabernet-Merlot, Margaret River
GIACONDA Chardonnay, Beechworth
GROSSET Polish Hill Riesling, Clare Valley
HENSCHKE Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Eden Valley
JIM BARRY The Armagh Shiraz, Clare Valley
MOSS WOOD Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River
PENFOLDS Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia
ROCKFORD Basket Press Shiraz, Barossa Valley
SEPPELTSFIELD 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny, Barossa Valley
TORBRECK RunRig Shiraz, Barossa Valley
WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
Outstanding
BEST’S Bin No.O Great Western Shiraz, Grampians
BALNAVES OF COONAWARRA The Tally Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E & E Black Pepper Shiraz, Barossa Valley
BASS PHILLIP Premium Pinot Noir, South Gippsland
BINDI Block 5 Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges
BINDI Original Vineyard Pinot Noir, Macedon Ranges
BY FARR Sangreal Pinot Noir, Geelong
CHARLES MELTON Nine Popes Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvedre, Barossa Valley
D’ARENBERG The Dead Arm Shiraz, McLaren Vale
DOMAINE A Cabernet Sauvignon, Coal River Valley
FOX CREEK Reserve Shiraz, McLaren Vale
GRANT BURGE Meshach Shiraz, Barossa Valley
GREENOCK CREEK Roennfeldt Road Shiraz, Barossa Valley
HENSCHKE Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon, Eden Valley
HENSCHKE Keyneton Estate Euphonium Shiraz Cabernet Merlot, Barossa Valley
HOUGHTON Jack Mann Frankland River Cabernet Blend, Great Southern
HOWARD PARK Abercrombie, Cabernet, Margaret River-Great Southern
JASPER HILL Emily’s Paddock Shiraz-Cabernet Franc, Heathcote
JASPER HILL Georgia’s Paddock Shiraz, Heathcote
KAESLER WINES Old Bastard Shiraz, Barossa Valley
KAY BROTHERS AMERY VINEYARDS Block 6 Old Vine Shiraz, McLaren Vale
KATNOOK ESTATE Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
LANGMEIL WINERY The 1843 Freedom Shiraz, Barossa Valley
LEEUWIN ESTATE Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River
MAIN RIDGE ESTATE Half Acre Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula
MOUNT MARY Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley
NOON Winery Reserve Shiraz, Langhorne Creek
PENFOLDS Bin 389 Cabernet-Shiraz, South Australia
PENFOLDS RWT Shiraz Barossa South Australia
PENFOLDS St. Henri Shiraz, South Australia
PENFOLDS Yattarna Chardonnay, South Australia
PETER LEHMANN Stonewell Shiraz, Barossa Valley
PIERRO Chardonnay, Margaret River
ROCKFORD Sparkling Black Shiraz, Barossa Valley
SEPPELTSFIELD Para Liqueur Port, Barossa Valley
TAHBILK 1860 Vines Shiraz, Nagambie Lakes
TYRRELL’S Vat 1 Semillon, Hunter Valley
VASSE FELIX Tom Cullity Cabernet Blend, Margaret River
WENDOUREE Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare Valley
WENDOUREE Cabernet Malbec, Clare Valley
WENDOUREE Shiraz Malbec, Clare Valley
WENDOUREE Shiraz Mataro, Clare Valley
WOODLANDS (FAMILY SERIES) Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River
YALUMBA The Signature Cabernet Shiraz, Barossa
YARRA YERING Dry Red Wine No.1 Cabernet, Yarra Valley
YERINGBERG Cabernet Blend, Yarra Valley
Excellent
BOWEN ESTATE Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
CAPE MENTELLE Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River
CASTAGNA Genesis Syrah, Beechworth
CHAMBERS ROSEWOOD WINERY Rare Muscat, Rutherglen
CHAMBERS ROSEWOOD WINERY Rare Topaque, Rutherglen
CORIOLE Lloyd Reserve Shiraz, McLaren Vale
CRAIGLEE Shiraz, Sunbury
CRAWFORD RIVER WINES Riesling, Henty
CULLEN WINES Kevin John Chardonnay, Margaret River
D’ARENBERG WINES The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale
DALWHINNIE Moonambel Shiraz, Pyrenees
DALWHINNIE Eagle Shiraz, Pyrenees
DE BORTOLI Noble One Botrytis Semillon, Riverina
DEEP WOODS ESTATE Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River
ELDERTON Command Shiraz, Barossa Valley
FREYCINET VINEYARDS Pinot Noir, Eastern Tasmania
GIACONDA Warner Vineyard Shiraz, Beechworth
GLAETZER WINES AMON Ra Shiraz, Barossa Valley
GROSSET Gaia Cabernet Cabernet Franc Merlot, Clare Valley
GROSSET Springvale Riesling, Clare Valley
HARDYS Eileen Hardy Shiraz, South Australia
HENTLEY FARM Clos Otto Shiraz, Barossa Valley
HODDLES CREEK 1er Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley
JACOB’S CREEK ORLANDO St. Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
JOHN DUVAL WINES Plexus Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, Barossa Valley
KALLESKE Johann Georg Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa Valley
KATNOOK ESTATE Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
KILIKANOON WINES Oracle Shiraz, Clare Valley
KOOYONG WINES Haven Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula
LAKE’S FOLLY White Label Cabernet Blend, Hunter Valley
LEO BURING Leonay Riesling, Eden/Clare Valley
MAJELLA Cabernet, Coonawarra
MAJELLA The Malleea Cabernet-Shiraz, Coonawarra
MCWILLIAM’S Mount Pleasant Lovedale Semillon, Hunter Valley
MCWILLIAM’S Mount Pleasant Maurice O’Shea Shiraz, Hunter Valley
MOUNT LANGI GHIRAN Langi Shiraz, Grampians
MOUNT MARY Chardonnay, Yarra Valley Victoria
NOON WINERY Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Langhorne Creek
OAKRIDGE ESTATE 864 Vineyard Chardonnay, Yarra Valley
OLIVER’S TARANGA VINEYARDS HJ Reserve Shiraz, McLaren Vale
PARINGA ESTATE The Paringa Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula
PARKER COONAWARRA ESTATE Terra Rossa First Growth Cabernet-Merlot, Coonawarra
PENFOLDS Bin 128 Shiraz, Coonawarra
PENFOLDS Bin 28 Shiraz, Kalimna
PENFOLDS Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia
PENFOLDS Magill Estate Shiraz, Adelaide South Australia
PETALUMA Coonawarra Cabernet-Merlot, Coonawarra
PEWSEY VALE The Contours Riesling, Eden Valley
SEPPELT St Peters Great Western Vineyards Shiraz, Grampians
ST HALLETT Old Block Shiraz, Barossa
THE STANDISH WINE COMPANY The Standish Single Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley
TIM ADAMS The Aberfeldy Shiraz, Clare Valley
TORBRECK Descendant Shiraz Viognier, Barossa Valley
TURKEY FLAT Shiraz, Barossa Valley
TYRRELL’S Vat 47 Chardonnay, Hunter Valley
VASSE FELIX Heytesbury Chardonnay, Margaret River
VASSE FELIX Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River
VOYAGER ESTATE Cabernet Merlot, Western Australia
WIRRA WIRRA RSW Shiraz, McLaren Vale
WOLF BLASS Black Label Cabernet-Shiraz, South Australia
WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE Michael Shiraz, Coonawarra
WINE BY FARR Tout Pres Pinot Noir, Geelong
XANADU Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River
YABBY LAKE VINEYARD Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Mornington Peninsula
YALUMBA The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa
YARRA YARRA VINEYARD The Yarra Yarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Yarra Valley
YARRA YERING Dry Red Wine No.2 Shiraz, Yarra Valley
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