A tribute to the late Mount Ghiran custodian Trevor Mast, Mount Langi Ghiran Mast Shiraz is an exemplary cool climate expression of Grampians Shiraz, hewn of fruit from slightly younger vines than the label’s flagship Shiraz, with less whole-bunch influence (65%) and no new oak. The aromas are as much of the red fruit spectrum as they are of the dark, with a sapid riff of blood plum, blackberry and cherry offset by a chord of smoked meat. Nicely framed by fibrous, sinuous grape tannins. There is a strong fealty to place, too, manifest as a twine of Grampians scrub, iodine and a whiff of mint. The ultimate expression of heritage cool climate Shiraz.
?The late Trevor Mast was the founder of Mount Langi Ghiran, and for so long its sole winemaker. Many things have changed since then, all good. Open-fermented with 65% whole bunches, 35% whole berries, pressed to French barriques, none new. The absence of new oak has not diminished it in any way, a simple recognition that Trevor Mast's financial constraints meant little money for oak.
96 points, Wine Companion (January 2020)
The Grampians
Located in western Central Victoria, the Grampians was settled during the gold rush of the 1850’s. Indeed the vivid history of the gold rush is inextricably intertwined with the history of viticulture in the region. Seppelt at Great Western, one of the region’s iconic wineries was built at the end of the gold rush when scores of out-of-work prospectors excavated its extensive drives and cellars. The "drives" completed in 1932, stretch for three kilometres and provide perfect conditions for the maturation of sparkling wine, for which the region is well-known. The climate of the Grampians is Mediterranean and essentially cool with vineyards situated at elevations ranging from 240 to 350m. The region experiences long sunshine hours and low rainfall necessitating supplementary irrigation. Soils in the region range from weathered volcanic soils to sandy and red clay loams interspersed with ironstone. The region is suited to a diverse range of varietals including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon but is best known for its crisp fruity Riesling and distinctive spicy peppery Shiraz.Mount Langi Ghiran
Mount Langi Ghiran is a premium wine producer based in the Grampians region of Victoria. Originally planted as early as 1870, the original Shiraz vineyard was replanted in 1963 by the Frantin brothers. Intrigued by the high quality of the Fratin’s fruit, Trevor Mast joined Mount Langi Ghiran as a consultant winemaker in 1978. In 1987 Trevor, together with his wife Sandra Mast purchased the property and quickly established a strong following for the Langi Shiraz, one of Australia’s finest cool climate wines. The winery was sold in 2002 to the Rathbone family. Dan Buckle took over the winemaking from Trevor in 2003, continuing the vision and pursuit of quality that Trevor had set out. Tragically Trevor Mast passed away prematurely in 2012. His extraordinary vision continues to live on in the wines of Mount Langi Ghiran.
