Langton’s Selections Bailey’s 1904 Block Shiraz, Bailey’s 1920s Block Shiraz Bailey’s at Glenrowan is located in classic bushranger country. The land around Glenrowan in Victoria is known as Kelly Country, named after Ned Kelly and his gang who roamed the area. Richard Bailey, a merchant who supplied goods to gold miners, purchased the property in 1853. The first wine was made in 1870. The family eventually sold its business in 1972. It’s now owned by Foster’s Wine Estates. The low-yielding vineyards, replanted in the early 1900s because of phylloxera, are located on red granitic soils in what is a relatively hot and continental climate. The district is best known for its fortified wines. However, Bailey’s produces a robust, well-focused, single vineyard 1904 and 1920s Block Shirazes. These are limited release wines – only 6 tonnes comes off the 1904 Block. The wines are made in traditional open fermenters and matured in a combination of American and French oak. The overall profiles of these wines make them ideal secondary market staples, though they have yet to perform. Maybe that’s a good thing because they are bloody good value for those who cannot be bothered or cannot afford to be caught up in Robert Parker Jr.’s skewed enthusiasms. The Winemaker’s Selection Liqueur Muscat and Tokay are in every respect brilliant wines. The Muscat has that beautiful, burnished bronze colour with slightly green edges. Strong rancio characters pervade the wine, bringing utter joy. The Tokay shows more tea, leafy aromas and is decadent in flavour. Made using a Solera system, these wines are not vintage dated. Sadly, undated fortifieds lack value in the secondary market. They are beacons of quality nonetheless. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's