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THE WOMEN BEHIND THE WINES

Every year at MLG, International Women’s Day gives us a chance to slow down and listen to the people who make this place what it is. Rather than telling a polished story, we asked the women across our vineyard, winery and café to share their own experiences in their own words — what they’ve learned, who has helped them, and what working in wine looks and feels like to them. The reflections that follow are exactly that: personal, unfiltered and true to each of their journeys.

ELIZABETH LADHAMS, WINEMAKER

As Winemaker at Mount Langi Ghiran, what I enjoy most is the deep connection to the seasons. Every day, every week, and every year brings something different in what the vineyards deliver.
Time is marked by the vines: the cold, quiet, misty mornings of winter when everything is dormant; the joyful reawakening and budburst in spring; and of course, the “big show”—harvest in autumn.

Lessons from a Career Reinvention

Winemaking is a second career for me. It required a big leap from a comfortable position in finance into a completely new world with a very steep learning curve. A mentor in my previous career gave me invaluable advice when I took responsibility for a function I knew almost nothing about: “Know what you don’t know.”
Equally important was the second part: “Know who will know what you don’t know.” Seek out experts and learn from them. People love sharing their knowledge when asked thoughtfully.
In the wine community, we are generous with our time and insights—I tap into that almost every single day.

Support that Stuck with Me

Our vintage winemaker in 2019—my first vintage at MLG—focused on adapting physical processes to each individual, whether they were short, tall, male or female. He made sure the work fit the person, which was an important learning.
Winemaking can seem all about physical strength, but in reality it’s about mental agility: adapting quickly and working in the smartest way possible. I’ve carried this with me ever since and paid it forward many times.

Lifting Other Women as We Go

Women in wine—and women in STEM more broadly—are still a minority. Supporting each other matters. Sometimes that’s as simple as knowing who the other women are in winemaking and viticulture roles in our local regions, like the Grampians and Pyrenees.
Having an informal network as a sounding board is invaluable. More tangibly, when committees are being formed, I always try to suggest other women, because diversity is essential to high‑performing teams.

Why Allies Matter

In our winery, the Chief Winemaker insists on a diverse vintage crew to maintain a balanced culture. Our current winery team is 50% female—well ahead of industry averages.
We hope this visible diversity becomes a green flag for future applicants, whether for full‑time roles or harvest positions. That—and the outstanding Shiraz, of course.

Advice for Women Entering Wine

Rattle the cage.
Our consumers are 50% female, and in some studies, women are increasingly the primary decision‑makers in wine purchases. Our industry needs to reflect the people buying our wines. If the people making the wine reflect the end consumer, perhaps some of the guesswork disappears in crafting the wines and styles that will resonate.

LILLY LAWLOR, CELLAR DOOR MANAGER

I’ve worked in many roles within the wine industry — from sommelier, to cellar door, to vintage hand, and now learning about vineyard management. In my current position, I absolutely love teaching people who come into cellar door about wine, and hopefully sharing some of my passion and knowledge with them.

A Mentor Who Opened a New Door

Two years ago, a local gentleman named Ant came into the cellar door where I was working. After chatting for a while, he mentioned he ran a nearby vineyard. I asked if he would consider taking me on so I could learn more about the vine and the vineyard. By the next week, I was standing in a freezing‑cold vineyard learning how not to cut my fingers off with electric secateurs. Being male or female never came into it — I was simply a person wanting to learn, and he respected the hard work I put in. He taught me everything I now know about vineyards, and for that I’m truly grateful.

A Supportive Team

Every weekend I’m supported by my amazing staff. They make the working day fly. I always strive to support other women on my team by treating them exactly the same as I treat the men. I respect all my staff, I listen to them, and I love seeing them learn and enjoy their time here with me.

The Realities of Representation

This is a hard question to answer, because I’ve seen and experienced discrimination time and time again throughout this industry. And as long as women are under‑represented, I don’t see things changing quickly. It’s hard to fight for equality when women are still fighting for things like equal pay.
That’s why I think it’s important for more women to join the industry — so we can continue to push for change.

LAURA COOK, CELLAR HAND

A Role Built on Flexibility and Hands‑On Learning

I joined MLG at the end of 2025 in a role that works across both the laboratory and the cellar. It allows me to use the skills I gained from previous lab work undertaking the tasks set out by the winemakers and maintaining integrity of wines on site.

In my short time at Mount Langi Ghiran so far, I’ve really valued the tips and tricks shared by the team, particularly our cellar hand Simon Read. Every winery works differently, and having someone who knows the environment makes it easier to learn new processes and adapt quickly.

Mentors Who Made an Impact

My first vintage opportunity came from winemaker Tom Garrett at Primo Estate. Before that, I worked in a diagnostic lab—sterile, controlled and predictable. Tom showed me how grapes on a vine become the drink we know and love, and he taught me everything from the differences between white, rosé and red winemaking to simple cellar skills like connecting hoses.
That first vintage made me want to get my hands dirty again.

Deanna Clark at Step Road/Beresford/Press & Bloom also had a big impact on my career. As a woman in the industry, she has been a real inspiration. She started her career in the vineyard and worked her way up, and her attitude—especially her belief that “we don’t need a man, we can do it ourselves”—showed me what’s possible with determination.

During my time at Step Road, winemaker and winery manager Chad Smith and cellar hands Tricky May and Christopher Frizell were strong supporters of women in the team. They hired more women during vintage and encouraged us to take on every task—including jobs that traditionally might not be offered to women. Their encouragement helped build confidence and reinforced that women belong in every part of this industry.

Showing Women What’s Possible in Wine

Traditionally, men have been the majority in the wine industry, but it’s great to see more women stepping forward and gaining recognition. I hope I can help build enthusiasm and confidence for other women coming into the industry. I’m excited to be part of Vintage 2026 with our winemakers Liz Ladhams and Adam Louder, pushing ourselves and contributing to MLG’s future wines.

Advice for Women Entering the Industry

“It all seems impossible until it’s done.” That quote really resonates with me. I came into my first vintage with no study, no experience—just a love of wine. Your size, strength or background doesn’t matter. Throw yourself into it: get sticky, get covered in juice, go home tired and proud.

If you love wine, this is where the magic happens—where science meets art, and where you help create the bottle you’ll later share with friends, family… or enjoy on your own, because you deserve it.

MICAELA WILLIAMS, VINEYARD WORKER

I’m a new vineyard worker and started doing de-suckering last year after looking for a job close to home. Before this, I worked in outdoor education, which involved a lot of face‑to‑face interaction, so moving into a role where I can work more autonomously has been a really nice change.

I’ve also started helping Lily in the café on some weekends. One of the things I enjoy most about working at MLG is the knowledge sharing. I love swinging past the winery to chat with Liz and Laura about the science behind the wine, and learning about the tasting side from Lily.

Support That Shows Up Every Day

Being very new to both the role and the company, everyone has been really lovely in answering my questions whenever I’m curious about how things work.

There hasn’t been one standout moment, but the general support and attitude from everyone has made a big difference as I’ve settled into the team.

Inside the Stories, Passions and People That Shape an Australian Icon

High in the Grampians, where fog drifts through ancient granite slopes and vines cling to ridgelines, Mount Langi Ghiran has always been defined by its landscape. But the true heart of Langi isn’t the mountain, or the vines, or even the wines themselves. It’s the people.

Every bottle that leaves this remote corner of Victoria carries the fingerprints of a small, dedicated team of people who have each contributed their own story to Langi’s evolution. Some have spent decades here. Others arrived from worlds far beyond the wine industry, bringing new energy, curiosity and perspectives that continue to move Langi forward.

Adam Louder — Chief Winemaker

A Grampians Local Guided by Experience, Instinct and Place

For Chief Winemaker Adam Louder, Langi isn’t just a workplace — it’s home. Born and raised in the Grampians, he first joined Mount Langi Ghiran in 1998 as a young cellar hand under legendary winemaker Trevor Mast. Working alongside such an influential figure in cool‑climate Shiraz ignited something lasting: a deep respect for craft, patience, and the power of site‑driven winemaking.

Eager to broaden his perspective, Adam spent years working harvests across Bordeaux, the Napa Valley, the Pyrenees, and Margaret River — including at Langi’s sister winery Xanadu. These diverse experiences sharpened his understanding of technique, technology and the global benchmarks for quality.

But the pull of home was stronger. Adam returned to the Grampians in 2016, bringing with him the knowledge of 32 harvests. Two years later, he became Chief Winemaker.

Today, Adam describes Langi as a site that’s “impossible to replicate” — a place where a long, slow growing season builds layered complexity and where nature’s drama is always part of the story. He leads the winemaking team with quiet confidence and a collaborative spirit, working side‑by‑side with his team to continually refine Langi’s hallmark style.

The recent critically acclaimed vintages reflect his steady hand and deep understanding of what makes Langi, Langi.

Liz Ladhams — Winemaker

A Career Reinvented Through Passion, Precision and Purpose

Long before she made wine, Liz Ladhams built a global career in finance, working on Wall Street and living between London, Hong Kong and New York. But after two decades, she chose a different path — one that aligned more closely with her values and curiosity.

Returning to Australia, she began a Winemaking & Viticulture degree at La Trobe University, and in 2019 joined Langi for harvest work. It didn’t take long for the team to notice her exceptional attention to detail, analytical mind, and commitment to precision. She was soon offered a winemaking role, working closely with Adam to shape the next chapter of Langi’s cool climate wines.

Liz describes Langi as a place defined by “focus, quality and integrity” — qualities she naturally brings to her work. Her contributions extend beyond winemaking: she leads the estate’s sustainability agenda with pride, ensuring Langi’s environmental practices meet the high standards set by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. She also serves on the committee for the Western Victoria Wine Challenge, bringing her thoughtful, measured approach to the broader regional community.

Her journey from global finance to hands‑on winemaking speaks to the heart of Langi: passion and a commitment to continual improvement and growth.

Damien Sheehan — Viticulturist

Three Decades of Stewardship and a Lifelong Devotion to the Vines

Some people find wine through science, some through craft — but for viticulturist Damien Sheehan, it began with romance. The romance of the landscape, of seasons shifting, of vines that need patience and understanding.

With over 35 years in the industry — and now in his 30th at Langi — Damien has experienced every extreme the Grampians can deliver: droughts, floods, late frosts, long cool seasons and everything in between. Through it all, he’s seen Langi produce remarkable fruit, often against the odds. “Sometimes all you need is a great site, great vines and a friendly climate,” he says. “Langi continues to cast its spell on all who work here.”

Damien first spoke to Trevor Mast when considering a career in viticulture, and the encouragement he received set him on the path that ultimately led to his dream job — joining Langi in 1996. His knowledge of the vineyard is encyclopaedic, shaped by decades of walking every row, understanding how each block behaves in different seasons, and adapting his approach without ever losing respect for what the land wants to express.

His work underpins everything the winemaking team creates. The consistency, quality and resilience of Langi’s fruit — especially in recent acclaimed vintages — are a direct reflection of Damien’s dedication and deep connection to place.

Darren Rathbone — CEO & Winemaker

A Vision Shaped by Curiosity, Science and Global Perspective

For Darren Rathbone, wine wasn’t a family legacy passed down through generations — it was a discovery. In the mid‑1990s, while completing a chemical engineering degree, he helped his family plant 28 acres of vines in the Yarra Valley. What began as a summer project quickly became something more: a realisation that the blend of science, craft and agriculture offered a lifelong challenge worth pursuing.

After earning his engineering degree, Darren set out to deepen his skills the only way winemakers truly can — by working harvests around the world. From the cellars of Château Lynch‑Bages in Bordeaux to the precision‑driven wineries of Napa Valley and the historic domaines of Burgundy and Champagne, he gained a global perspective on technique, terroir and the pursuit of excellence. During this time he completed a Master of Science in Enology at UC Davis, adding formal technical expertise to hands‑on experience.

Returning to Australia, Darren helped lead the formation of Rathbone Wine Group and later steered the acquisition of Mount Langi Ghiran in 2003 — a site whose potential he believed in deeply. And still does.

His guiding philosophy at Langi is simple but ambitious: continually improve wine quality while honouring the unique character of the site and the vision of the late Trevor Mast. Completing an MBA in 2011 reflected his commitment to not just better winemaking, but better leadership.

Under Darren’s direction, Langi has refined its cool‑climate style, strengthened its sustainability approach, and earned outstanding critical recognition — a testament to a lifetime spent learning, striving and quietly shaping one of Australia’s great wine stories.

Shaping Langi’s Future — Together

Mount Langi Ghiran is built on more than a stunning site. It’s built on people: their experiences, their ideas, their patience and their belief in what this place can be.

This team — Adam, Liz, Damien and Darren — represents decades of craftsmanship, global perspective, sustainable thinking and a shared commitment to continual improvement. Their work has ushered in a period of renewed critical acclaim, with recent vintages celebrated for purity, precision and unmistakable site expression.

As Langi continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the heart of the estate isn’t just the mountain or the vines. It’s the people who care for them.

Why Cool Climate Wines Matter — And Why Langi Leads the Way

Cool climate wines have a certain magic. They’re elegant, layered, and full of life. They speak softly but with clarity — offering vibrant acidity, lifted aromatics, and a spectrum of fruit, spice and savoury notes that warmer climates simply can’t replicate.

At Mount Langi Ghiran, this style isn’t a trend. It’s our DNA.

Nestled in the Grampians region of Victoria, our vineyard sits between two mountains — Mount Langi Ghiran and Mount Cole — creating one of the latest ripening sites in the country. The elevation, ancient granite soils, and reduced sunlight hours stretch the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and build complexity. The result? Wines with depth, detail and our signature pepper spice.

A Site Like No Other

The terroir at Langi is truly unique. Cold air tumbles down from the mountains, casting long shadows across the vines and cooling the valley below. This natural shading protects fruit from the harshest heat and extends time on vine — a key factor in developing the lifted florals and spice that define our wines.

Our soils are just as distinctive. Granite sands washed through red clay loams, with ironstone and quartz running through the subsoil, help moderate vine vigour and enhance flavour concentration. It’s a rare combination in Australian viticulture, and it’s what gives our wines their unmistakable character.

The Rotundone Story

One of the most fascinating elements of our Shiraz is its pepper character — a hallmark of cool climate winemaking. This comes from a compound called rotundone, which is responsible for the black pepper aroma in wine. Rotundone thrives in cooler conditions and longer ripening periods, making Mount Langi Ghiran one of the most ideal sites in the world for its development.

It’s not just a flavour. It’s a signature.

Langi Shiraz: A Benchmark for Cool Climate Winemaking

Langi Shiraz is our flagship — a wine that’s held Langton’s Classification for over 20 years and consistently ranks among the highest-rated in the country. It’s made from fruit grown on our original Old Block, planted in 1969, using a unique Shiraz clone sourced from 140-year-old vines in Great Western.

This wine is a pure expression of place. It’s medium-bodied, elegant, and layered with spice, pepper, and vibrant fruit. It’s a wine that rewards cellaring, yet speaks clearly of its origins from the moment it’s opened.

Top Accolades

LANGTONS Classified for 20+ years

3-Merit Wine | The Real Review

98 Points – Vintage 2022 | Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot

 

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Mast Shiraz: Our tribute to one of the most revered pioneers of cool climate Shiraz, Trevor Mast

Thanks to Trevor Mast’s foresight, our vineyards continue to deliver high quality wines of distinction year after year. The Mast Shiraz is a part of our Flagship collection and is typically hand picked from House Block 4, one of our coolest blocks,  and one of Trevor’s favourites.

Top Accolades

96 Points – Vintage 2022 | Shanteh Wale, Wine Pilot

96 Points – Vintage 2022 | Aaron Brasher, The Real Review

96 Points – Vintage 2021 | Sarah Ahmed, Decanter

 

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Talus Shiraz: Celebrating the unique soils at Mount Langi Ghiran

The Talus range showcases the natural abundance of Mount Langi Ghiran itself by capturing the power and purity from this cool climate Grampians vineyard. Talus is a geological term referring to the accumulation of freed granitic rock fragments at the base of steep mountain slopes, known as a talus slope. Tending and keeping the vines under its watchful gaze, these wines are an ode to the majesty of Mount Langi Ghiran and our intimate knowledge of mountain, vine and soil. Showcasing the strength of the mountain through precise cool climate wines, Talus is quintessentially Mount Langi Ghiran.

Top Accolades

Vintage 2022 – 95 Points | Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion

Vintage 2023 – 95 Points | Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot

Vintage 2022 – 95 Points | Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas, James Suckling

 

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Cliff Edge Shiraz: Pure Grampians Elegance

Sourced from a selection of blocks from across our vineyard in the Grampians, Victoria the Cliff Edge range is our expression of the intensity, purity and finesse possible thanks to the cool climate, historic vines and granite soils at Mount Langi Ghiran.

Top Accolades

Vintage 2023 – 94 Points | Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot

Vintage 2022 – GOLD | 2024 Western Victorian Wine Challenge

Vintage 2021 – 94 Points | Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

 

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Billi Billi Shiraz: Something for everyone

These are everyday drinking wines with a strong sense of variety and vintage. Sourced from a selection of premium cool climate vineyards throughout Victoria; predominantly the Grampians, including a portion from the Mount Langi Ghiran vineyards. This tier represents a fantastic introduction to premium Victorian cool climate wines.

Top Accolades

Vintage 2024 – 93 Points | Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot

Vintage 2021 – 93 Points | Matthew Jukes

Vintage 2019 – Victorian Shiraz Trophy | International Wine Challenge 2023

 

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Beyond Shiraz

While Shiraz is our hero, the cool climate style and unique terroir at Langi influence everything we grow. Our Riesling is pure and mineral-driven. Cabernet Sauvignon shows structure and finesse. Grenache is vibrant and spicy. Even our Pinot Gris wines and Chardonnay in our Blanc de Blancs benefit from the long growing season and natural acidity that define our site.

Each wine is shaped by the same rugged beauty and precision that defines Mount Langi Ghiran. Each vintage is a reflection of place, season and craft.

Shop the Collection

In conversation with our newest addition to the team, Lilly Lawlor 

When did you begin working in the wine industry? Can you tell us a bit about your background between then and now?

I started out as a Chef in Newcastle, I took a few years off to have children, I went back to work front of house in 2009, before studying as a Sommelier. In 2010 I won the Victorian Wine Guilds Sommelier of the year award. I bounced between wine and cooking before starting in Cellar doors in the Hunter Valley. Wanting to learn more about the wine making side brought me back to Victoria where I did a few vintages. Personally I think surviving vintages gave me an even stronger passion for all things wine.

Why wine? Was there a moment you discovered a passion or decided it was something you’d like to make a career out of?

I was working at Chateau Yering on the floor, when James Halliday, who had brought in a 64 Chateau La tour gave me a sip, and that was it, my cast wine days were over. In that moment I fell in love, and haven’t looked back since.

Which Mount Langi Ghiran wine are you currently loving?

Without a doubt it is the 2014 Langi Shiraz. As I like to say “its on the podium for wines that I have drunk”

Which Mount Langi Ghiran wine are you looking forward to releasing?

With the 2023 Grenache almost gone, I cant wait to see how the 2024 is looking.

Why should people visit you at Cellar Door?

With me its never just a tasting. You might come in looking for a wine, but you will leave with a new found passion.

Introducing Ronald …

On weekends I bring Ronald with me to Cellar door. Ronald is a 2yr old kelpie x rescue. He loves to greet people at the bar and play ball with them, although he isn’t great at giving the ball back.

A Demanding Season Yields Distinctive Fruit

The 2025 growing season at Mount Langi Ghiran delivered a mixed bag of conditions that ultimately resulted in deeply concentrated, high-quality fruit. Early spring began with dry subsoils and low rainfall, ideal conditions for frost events, paired with stop-start growth across the vineyard. Despite the unpredictable start, the vines avoided frost damage and uneven growth gradually balanced out by November.

Timely rainfall late in spring helped rejuvenate the canopy ahead of a dry, warm summer. From that point on, the region saw little to no further rainfall through to the end of harvest. The vines were forced to dig deep in the final weeks of the season, resulting in exceptional concentration, vibrant colour, and richly flavoured fruit across key varieties.

What to expect from Vintage 2025?

Expect bold aromatics, deep hues, and complex fruit profiles—hallmarks of a vintage that demanded resilience and rewarded with intensity.

 

Celebrating International Women’s Day with Winemaker, Liz Ladhams 

When hired at Mount Langi Ghiran with no winemaking experience, no doubt an eyebrow or two was raised – but it was the diversity of my background that was identified by Chief Winemaker, Adam Louder, as the missing piece of the art that is our winemaking team. I can hand on heart attest to the fact that here, difference is very much valued and celebrated.

Liz’s experience

While my time in wine started semi-recently in 2019, I’ve come from industries where males tended to be in the majority. However, for me I’ve never seen that as a barrier to entry – rather, I’ve always adopted the attitude that if you can’t see it, why not be it!

While there is plenty to romanticise about winemaking, pacing rows of vines, tasting wines and moments of deep contemplation in the barrel hall – the day-to-day reality looks quite different. There’s no doubt that working in a winery comes with a certain level of physicality, but there’s absolutely no reason women can’t work shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.

The only barrier to being successful in a winery as a workplace is thinking that I need to do the work in the same way as the men. When compared to my male colleagues, do I have the same grip strength? No. Do I have the same reach? Also no. But what I do have is the ability to achieve the exact same end result simply by doing things a little differently.

Advice from Liz

To anyone new to winemaking who may be intimidated by the manual labour involved, here are a few tips from me:

• Use the tools provided and save your hands – get the spanner to tighten the nut on the wine hose to stop it leaking (just please don’t overtighten and flatten the o-ring!)
• Be proficient on the forklift and use it as an extension of yourself – no-one wins with a back or shoulder injury.
• Always think about your manual handling technique – ask for help and respect your limits.
• Invest in the workwear that fits – there are a bunch brands available that are designed for women. Your boots for example, need to fit you well, they are probably the most important piece of equipment you have. Feel good in what you’re wearing.

March Forward

This year, the theme of International Women’s Day is Accelerate Action or March Forward, so I’m asking; how can we make winemaking jobs even more accessible and enjoyable for women? I believe we need to look at innovative solutions to improve this aspect further. Perhaps utilising engineering is better for everyone – not just women in the winery. What I would challenge the industry to think about (and this extends beyond wine into many other trades) is the design of tools that can be used more easily by women – and in fact, everyone! Carrying around a 2inch spanner [see photo below] will overload any tool belt – can we make one that is telescopic?

The research has been done, and it’s confirmed that diverse teams are strong teams¹.

“In my experience, diverse teams are a happy hunting ground for innovation, problem-solving and quite frankly, making some outstanding wines. At Mount Langi Ghiran, difference is not only valued and celebrated, but I believe can be experienced in a glass of our Shiraz.”

 

With a little bit of engineering, we have the ability to open up the industry to more people who look like me (and hopefully younger too!). And with a few more advocates, giving women “permission” to be themselves, we’ll all win with happier workplaces and as a result – better wines.

Visit us on socials to hear more from Liz

Instagram

Facebook

 

¹ https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/why-diversity-matters.

 

While many other regions across Australia are well into harvest, even in this warmer year, the cool climate of Mount Langi in the Grampians region of Victoria means we have only just commenced our first picks in mid-February—starting with the early-ripening Chardonnay used for our small production of Blanc de Blancs. This is about a week earlier than the average for us, although it’s no surprise after the temperatures we have had this season.

Our Shiraz is still a good few weeks away yet though. Our cool climate is what gives our Shiraz its spice, with the extended hang-time building Rotundone, responsible for the signature pepper notes that we’re known for.

How much Rotundone will we see in 2025? Only time will tell.

We have some really beautiful fruit out there and we’re excited with the quality we’re seeing in the vineyard.
– Damien Sheehan, General Manager & Viticulturist

 

Staying focused on the final result

Our main tasks in the vineyard have been to keep the vine canopies healthy and functional as they cope with the conditions while they focus their energy on ripening fruit. They’re not the only ones focussed on our fruit, the birds and deer are getting very interested as well and have been unofficially testing the ripeness.

 

On Saturday afternoon, we had the honour of sharing five decades of Langi Shiraz with our devoted lunch guests, made up of wine club members and other Langi enthusiasts.

The occasion

Each year we host  a lunch to celebrate the release of our Flagships. This year, the occasion was made extra special by the inclusion of various past vintage Langi Shirazes, spanning 5 decades.

Hosted by winemakers Adam Louder and Liz Ladhams, as well as Chief Viticulturist Damien Sheehan, Langi Shiraz was presented from the 1983, 1999, 2003 and 2013 vintages alongside our new release, 2021.

The wine

Langi Shiraz is a revered benchmark for cool climate Australian Shiraz. Our landmark wine, it demonstrates the unique terroir of Mount Langi Ghiran.

Highly regarded, Langi Shiraz has been awarded Langton’s Classification for over two decades, is a 3-Merit wine with The Real Review and has received an array of awards and exceptional reviews across the decades.

First made in 1979 by the Fratin brothers, it was not until Trevor Mast arrived at Mount Langi Ghiran for the 1981 vintage that Langi Shiraz in its current form came in to existence. For forty years, our team has built on previous wisdom and embraced innovation to ensure the highest level of quality in every vintage.

From the fruit of our old vines, Langi Shiraz reveals the vibrant synergy between site and variety. The Old Block shiraz vineyard dips and weaves across the landscape, proffering parcels of fruit of extreme complexity and stunning finesse. Each of these parcels is selectively harvested and then fermented separately to capture their inimitable qualities at their peak.

Available in limited quantities

2021 Langi Shiraz

With a broody intensity, this wine shows an amalgam of black, blue and red fruits, with mulberry at the forefront. Both spicy and earthy, it displays hints of purple florals and is structured by supple, yet persistent, tannins.

Secure your 2021 Langi Shiraz

2013 Langi Shiraz

Bursting on the palate with vivid redcurrant, boysenberry, and mouthcoating dark cacao. Rich and flowing red, black and blue fruits mingle with subtle perfume nuances.

Secure your 2013 Langi Shiraz

2004 Langi Shiraz

This 2004 vintage has been carefully cellared to harness its full potential of flavour development, ready for your enjoyment now.

Secure your 2004 Langi Shiraz

The team

Darren Rathbone | CEO and Group Winemaker 

Darren’s love of wine started at home, growing up in a family that enjoyed coming together around wine and food – it was always part of the Rathbone’s family meals.

In 1995 upon Darren’s graduation from Chemical Engineering, his father Doug Rathbone and uncle Graeme Rathbone purchased a vineyard site in the Yarra Valley – now Yering Station. Darren’s first job was planting vines in this vineyard, which was named in honour of their grandmother, Laura Barnes. Doug noted Darren’s enthusiasm, believing it was “too big to be a hobby, too small to be a business” in its then-current guise. This was the turning point where an enjoyment of drinking wine became a passionate career.

In the pursuit of knowledge and learning, Darren was accepted into the Master of Science, Oenology program at UC Davis in California in 1999. Upon completion in 2002, Darren complemented his technical study by undergoing various winemaking assignments in acclaimed global wine regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Napa Valley.

Returning to Australia, he focused on developing and expanding the Rathbone Wine Group by purchasing Mount Langi Ghiran in 2003 and overseeing the construction of the current cellar door, offices and winemaking facilities. Darren’s focus has been on continual improvement of the wine style in collaboration with the winemaking and viticulture team whilst maintaining the incredible vision Trevor Mast first saw in the property.

Today, Darren is the CEO and Winemaker of the Rathbone Wine Group which still proudly remains a family owned and operated business. Darren works alongside his father Doug Rathbone (Chairman) and brother Brad Rathbone (Director of Exports in China). He splits his time overseeing the production of the wines at Yering Station, Mount Langi Ghiran and Xanadu wineries, as well as developing the business across Australia and international markets. Darren is also an active wine show judge with significant judging experience within the Australian wine show system.

Adam Louder | Chief Winemaker

Adam was born and bred in the Grampians with deep ties to Mount Langi, starting his career in 1998 as a young cellar hand under Trevor Mast. Being mentored by one of the most iconic figures of cool climate winemaking ignited Adam’s passion and provided the grounding to travel the world furthering his knowledge. Adam worked in wineries across the Pyrenees, Margaret River (including our sister winery Xanadu), Bordeaux and Napa Valley.

Adam describes his time in the Napa Valley as extremely fulfilling and satisfying working alongside some of the smartest people in the business, with high expectations of perfection given access to all the latest in research and technology. Adam returned to Langi in 2016 with 32 harvests under his belt, drawn back to the relaxed lifestyle of the region along with his love of Grampians Shiraz.

Making Chief Winemaker in 2018, he says “it’s hard to deny how unique the site of Langi actually is. Not only do we have one of the longest growing seasons which adds to the complexity; the nature and the landscape are amazing and we have a strong united team all aiming to make some of the best wines in the country.”

Liz Ladhams | Winemaker

Following an impressive 20-year career on Wall Street, taking her from London to Hong Kong and everywhere in between, Liz unearthed what she identifies as her real passion – making wine. This discovery drove her decision to return to study, embarking on a Winemaking and Viticulture degree from La Trobe University in 2017.

In pursuit of her passion, Liz initially joined our harvest team in 2019. She soon progressed into a Winemaker role, working alongside Chief Winemaker, Adam Louder, in producing some of Australia’s most celebrated Shiraz.

Regarded as having an excellent eye for detail, Liz embodies the same qualities so integral to that of Mount Langi Ghiran. Focus. Quality. Integrity. Liz describes there being “natural synergy” at Mount Langi Ghiran – “quality wines made by people who care about the little details” which make working with the team “more than just work, rather, an honour.” Among the responsibilities of a Winemaker, Liz is also responsible for driving Mount Langi Ghiran’s sustainability agenda with great pride. She too is a committee member of the Western Victoria Wine Challenge.

Damien Sheehan | General Manager and Chief Viticulturist

Whilst Damien enjoys the science of viticulture, it was the romance of the vines that first attracted him to the field. In the industry for over 30 years and with Mount Langi Ghiran for 28, there’s no doubt it’s been a long term love affair.

When first contemplating entering the field, Damien spoke to Trevor Mast who advised him the field needed more “viti”. Damien and Trevor’s paths often crossed over the years, with Trevor ultimately offering Damien his dream job as viticulturist at Mount Langi Ghiran in 1996. Not only was the position perfect, he couldn’t wait to work alongside the great man himself.

Damien knows too well the vagaries of the seasons having experienced his fair share of droughts and floods but can attest that Langi has always produced spectacular fruit, sometimes against the odds – a true testament to the unique site. “Sometimes all you need is a great site, great vines and a friendly climate. Langi continues to cast its spell on all who work here – well, that’s my excuse for sticking around for so long!”

The venue

The special event was hosted at Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters in Federation Square, Melbourne. Somellier Matt Jensen paired our various wine offerings with spectacular dishes including canapes and a four-course, locally sourced lunch.

Thank you

The entire Mount Langi Ghiran team extends their heartfelt thanks for the continued support and loyalty of our wine club members. You make the careful curation, vine tending and hard work in the cellar worthwhile.

We are excited to officially release our highly anticipated 2021 Langi Shiraz and 2021 Mast Shiraz. Our 2021 Langi Shiraz has earned an exceptional 98 points from Campbell Mattinson of Halliday Wine Companion, while the 2021 Mast Shiraz received an impressive 96 points from Ray Jordan of Wine Pilot.

2021 Langi Shiraz 

2021 was another relatively mild year in terms of temperatures. Yields were back up above average and quality was excellent. The drawn-out ripening amplified spice characters and provided a full basket of fruit flavours. Our Langi Shiraz shows exceptional spice, elegant tannins and firm acid drive.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Medium-to-deep crimson.
Nose: Black fruits, black olive, pepper and vanilla.
Palate: With a broody intensity, this wine shows an amalgam of black, blue and red fruits, with mulberry at the forefront. Both spicy and earthy, it displays hints of purple florals and is structured by supple, yet persistent, tannins.
Cellaring: 20+ years.

Released to critical acclaim 

“Grown on the estate’s ‘Old Block’ of shiraz vines, planted in 1969…It’s a magnificent release. It’s fluid, elegant and controlled but, just a bit, it also stamps its feet and says: the world is mine. It’s awash with cherry/plum, peanut shell, black pepper and floral flavours, and it’s both silken to the touch, and (super) long through the finish. This is a wine.”

Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion | 98 points

Secure your 2021 Langi Shiraz

 

2021 Mast Shiraz

Colour: Deep purple.
Nose: Ripe black plum and blueberries, with hints of baking spice and cigar box.
Palate: Luscious blackberry and blueberry fruit flavours combine with hints of spice and well-integrated oak. Elegant tannin structure supports the flavours across the palate to an enduring finish.
Cellaring: Drinking beautifully now, this wine will also reward patient cellaring for 15+ years.

A cool climate crowd pleaser

“It is a cracker, reflecting a very good vintage. It comes off the single Home Block 4 which is the coolest on the vineyard. The key to the flavour development here was the extra hang time on the vine which has contributed to its polish refinement, tremendous depth and concentration of fruit. Highly perfumed aromas with oodles of spices working neatly with the ripe plummy fruit. It’s a plush and sumptuous wine of great balance and poise.”

Ray Jordan, Wine Pilot | 96 points

Secure your 2021 Mast Shiraz

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Not ready to commit? Join our family and you will receive 10% off all wine purchases, and a complimentary Flagship tasting at our Grampians Cellar Door.

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Discover our 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Results, as reviewed by Campbell Mattinson

We are proud to present you with our 2025 Halliday Wine Companion results, which were announced last night. We’re honoured to have received incredible scores across our range and to have been acknowledged as a Top 5 Red Star Winery.

5 Red Star wineries are recognised to be outstanding, regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity; having held a 5-star rating for the previous three years and with at least two wines rated at 95 points or above. We are proud to have been officially awarded this acknowledgment in the 2025 Halliday Wine Companion.

OUR VINTAGE 2021 FLAGSHIP COLLECTION

Set for release on September 1st, our Langi Shiraz, the ultimate expression of cool climate Shiraz, and our Mast Shiraz, our tribute to one of the most revered pioneers of cool climate Shiraz, Trevor Mast, have been deservedly honoured.

2021 Langi Shiraz | 98 Points

“It’s a magnificent release. It’s fluid, elegant and controlled but, just a bit, it also stamps its feet and says: the world is mine. It’s awash with cherry/plum, peanut shell, black pepper and floral flavours, and it’s both silken to the touch, and (super) long through the finish. This is a wine.”

2021 Mast Shiraz | 95 Points

“This is the Langi song sung true and proper. There are no rough edges here, and no signs that it’s trying too hard either. It’s a quality wine – it just is. It lays out everything in good measure and ties all the pieces together confidently through the finish.”

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OUR TALUS RANGE

The Talus range celebrates the natural abundance of Mount Langi Ghiran itself by capturing the power and purity from this cool climate Grampians vineyard. Talus is a geological term referring to the accumulation of freed granitic rock fragments at the base of steep mountain slopes, known as a talus slope. Tending and keeping the vines under its watchful gaze, these wines are an ode to the majesty of Mount Langi Ghiran and our intimate knowledge of mountain, vine and soil.

2021 Talus Cabernet Sauvignon | 96 Points

“This is a long, sinewy wine with all the fruit it needs and all the charm in the world. It will live for a long time and age majestically. It tastes of black cherry and redcurrant, smoked tobacco and fragrant dry herbs, plus gum leaf, plus pepper. Oak comes across as sweet and nutty but modest in volume. The future awaits. This wine has a lot ahead of it.”

2021 Talus Shiraz | 95 Points 

“There’s a power to this wine, a force, and yet it also comes across as a wine with a keen savoury side. Win-win. Black cherry, hazelnut, black pepper and rounds of leaf matter and tobacco put on a confident and highly engaging display. Indeed, it’s beautiful.”

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CLIFF EDGE HIGHLIGHTS

Sourced from a selection of blocks from across our vineyard in the Grampians, Victoria the Cliff Edge range is our expression of the intensity, purity and finesse possible thanks to the cool climate, historic vines and granite soils at Mount Langi Ghiran.

2022 Cliff Edge Cabernet Merlot | 94 Points (yet to be released)

“Both the form and the flavour of this Grampians cabernet blend are spot-on. This wine tends to fly under the radar, but it’s time for people to cotton onto it.”

2022 Cliff Edge Shiraz | 93 Points (yet to be released)

“If you’re drinking this, you’re drinking well. It has the spiced cherry-and-mint profile so typical of the region down pat; it rips black pepper notes out of juicy, jubey fruit; it’s etched with fine-grained tannin, and every step of the way, it feels balanced and sure.”

2023 Cliff Edge Riesling | 92 Points

“Complex aromatics lead to a complex palate. Anise, slate, lime and wet stone characters make a persuasive, and distinctive, pitch at quality.”

2022 Cliff Edge Grenache | 92 Points

“South Australia will always rule the roost in the kingdom of Australian grenache, but there are some exciting developments in ‘foreign’ lands like the Grampians, which is where this spicy little number was grown. This is a lovely grenache. It’s peppery and generally spicy, red cherried, light on its feet but not wimpy. It’s perfumed both on the nose and in the mouth”

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These accolades are a testament to the unerring passion and efforts of our dedicated winemaking and viticulture teams, led by Adam Louder and Damien Sheehan.