
Orphan Bank is testament to Langmeil’s commitment to preserving old and rare Barossa vineyards. Ten rows of Shiraz planted pre-1860 were saved from the developer’s bulldozer and replanted alongside the original Langmeil vineyard on the banks of the North Para River. We called these ten rows the “Orphans”, but after 150 years they have a new home.

In 1842 a 32-year-old Blacksmith, Christian Auricht, arrived from Prussia with his wife and four children. He settled in the new village of Langmeil and established a forge in what was to become a thriving trading post. His original smithy remains to this day and is a feature of the winery’s heritage setting.

Jackaman’s vineyard is home to Langmeil’s finest and rarest Cabernet Sauvignon, planted in the 1960s during the Cabernet revolution in the Barossa. This vineyard was lovingly tended by the colourful Barossan Arthur Jackaman, a World War II paratrooper, boxer and butcher who in retirement passed his small plot into Langmeil’s care.


The 1980s were truly tough times in the Barossa. Demand was down, and vines were being grubbed up. In 1985 Carl Lindner was unable to sell his premium Shiraz grapes, which he knew were far too good to let wither on the vine. Instead, he made a fortified wine and left it to mature in French oak puncheons, establishing a practice that continues to this day.Those difficult days combined with Carl’s foresight and inventiveness have laid the foundation for this truly unique wine.

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