Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine is a ‘form guide’ of Australia’s best performing and most prized wines. It was first published in 1990 to create interest and build demand in the fledgling Australian fine wine market. Followed by wine collectors and wine trade around the world, it has become an Australian institution with a prestigious international currency. It is a must for anyone looking to add Australian wines to a collection.
Langton’s Classification VII comprises 136 ultra-fine Australian wines, each with a reputation for consistency and provenance. Revised every five years, the Classification demonstrates an evolving Australian wine making culture at the forefront of innovation and excellence in the world of fine wine. It also reflects a continuing momentum towards single vineyard wines and regional identity. It maintains a strong emphasis on red wines, particularly those known for their cellaring potential.
Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine comprises three categories:
|
Category |
Wines |
|
|
Exceptional |
22 |
The most highly prized of all Australian fine wines. Representing generations of effort and character of place. |
|
Outstanding |
46 |
The best of Australian winemaking practices, vineyard provenance and regional voice. |
|
Excellent |
68 |
Australian wines of consistent merit. Steadfast, popular and expressive. |
What are the criteria for inclusion in the Classification?
The Classification works on the essential elements of track record and reputation, both of which are measured through market presence, consistency, volume of demand and price realizations. A wine must have 10 vintages made to be considered for the Classification. How well a wine performs in auctions is a factor, as is the price when the bottle hits the market. While many wines are enjoyable to drink, Langton’s singles out those that also have investment potential.
The wines
Finding Penfolds Grange (formally Bin 95 Grange Shiraz) at the top of the ranking shouldn’t surprise anyone with an interest in collectible Australian wines. Nor the Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, right after it. Other wines in the ‘Exceptional’ category include Brokenwood’s delicious Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz and Seppeltsfield’s historic 100 Year Old Para Vintage Tawny. Wines like the Sangreal Pinot Noir by the rockstar winemaker at Wines by Farr and the classically elegant Stonewell Shiraz by Peter Lehman are ranked as ‘Outstanding’.
A detailed listing of the wines in the seventh edition of the classification, as well as further reading, can be found here.