Langton’s Selections Hanging Rock Shiraz Hanging Rock was established in 1983 by John and Ann Ellis both highly respected and loved veterans of the Australian Wine Industry. John Ellis was Dux at Roseworthy College, South Australia and made his name as Rosemount’s first winemaker and co-founder of Tisdall, a cultish winery of the 1980s. Ann Ellis is Bruce Tyrrell’s sister and worked for Max Schubert and John Davoren of Penfolds fame and wine impresario Len Evans. Hanging Rock Winery is located in the Kyneton area near the famous Hanging Rock (originally called Mount Diogenes) a volcanic formation of solvsbergite (a rare form of rock only found in 2 or 3 places in the world) in Victoria’s Mount Macedon region. The 250 acre property located at around 650 metres on an extinct volcano The Jim Jim was first planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc in 1983. Further plantings of other varieties followed. A limitless supply of bore water has been a saving grace. The region is one of the coldest in Victoria and the vineyard is quite exposed to windy weather in Spring. Vintage can be as late as June! The winery, a re-constructed grain silo from Echuca, was inaugurated in 1987. The winery is focussed on sparkling wine production and makes three types: the deluxe Macedon LD (late disgorged) NV Brut with nine years on lees, Macedon NV Brut Cuvée (Cuvée XI the current release 51 months on lees) and the Macedon NV Brut Rosé, a younger fresh aperitif style with 12 months on lees. It also makes a top notch Sauvignon Blanc and highly regarded Heathcote Shiraz. The Black label range comprising Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache and Merlot Cabernet Franc can be very good value. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's