Langton's Classification of Australian Wine V

Listings increase by more than 20 per cent

Media release

Best's Great Western, Victoria

Bruce Tyrrell outside his cellar door, Tyrrell's, Hunter Valley NSW

The release of Langton's Classification of Australian Wine V on 24th September 2010 paints a positive picture for the Australian wine industry with an additional 23 listings – strongly indicating rising auction demand and increasing quality across the Australian wine industry.

Classification V illustrates an expanded ultra-fine wine scene. It has increased in size by 21%, reflecting widening secondary wine market demand and a growing interest in regional and single vineyard ultra-fine Australian wine. It also reflects a dominance of cellaring style red wines.

Langton's Classification of Australian Wine V comprises 58 shiraz/blends, 40 cabernet/blends, 10 pinot noirs and 15 white wines. As is the tradition, Penfolds Bin 95 Grange Shiraz, heads up the list. The dominance of shiraz, including five new 'Exceptional' entrants, reflects the variety's reputation for longevity and diversity of style. The addition of Jeffrey Grosset Polish Hill Riesling to the highest ranking acknowledges and rewards a unique masterpiece.

Compiled using secondary wine market data Langton's Classification of Australian Wine V reveals increasing depth and momentum of ultra-fine Australian wine. It illustrates strengthening support from Australian and international consumers for Australian grand marques.

Langton's Classification was first released in 1990. It was created to build confidence in a fledgling Australian secondary wine market. Twenty years and four revisions later it is arguably the most famous wine classification outside Europe. The Classification comprises four rankings (Exceptional, Outstanding, Excellent and Distinguished) and for a wine to achieve a listing it must have traction on the secondary wine market. Auction prices, track record and volume of demand are all considered. The criteria for inclusion are objective and market-driven.

Langton's founder and General Manager Stewart Langton says 'Langton's Classification reflects the contemporary wine market, focusing particularly on red wine. While the total numbers have expanded from 101 to 123, it should be remembered that most of these wines are limited in production. If you take out Penfolds, an incredible auction market performer, the volume of wine produced is equivalent to less than the five Bordeaux first growths. It is no exaggeration to say that ultra-fine Australian wine is extremely limited. The rarity of pre-1990 vintages illustrates this.'

Veteran wine auctioneer Andrew Caillard, MW says 'while Langton's Classification acts as a market barometer, it reveals a greater subtext. It chronicles the progression of Australian winemaking from the colonial era to the 21st Century. Langton's classified wines are Australia's enduring grand marques. Individually they resonate a sense of place or voice of country. Combined, they articulate Australia's place in the world of fine wine.'

Taste the Wines

For the first time ever, in 2010 wine lovers have the opportunity to sample all the wines in the Langton's Classification of Australian Wine V at tastings in Melbourne and Sydney this October.

A tasting of this depth and quality is usually reserved for wine trade or wine media and this is the first time consumers will be able to experience the definitive collection of Australia's finest wines.

Unfortunately, tickets are now sold out. The good news is there are 2 remaining – and we have them! VisitVineyards.com Members and subscribers can enter to win one single ticket to either the Sydney and Melbourne event. Enter here before midnight on the 17th October »

Click here for Melbourne event details – Monday 25th October »

Click here for Sydney event details – Tuesday 26th October »