Wines Langhorne Creek Lake Breeze - The Drake - 2019

Lake Breeze’s “The Drake” 2019 from Langhorne Creek showcases the distinctive characteristics of South Australian red wines. While the exact blend is not specified, Langhorne Creek is renowned for robust red wines often featuring classic varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, though Bordeaux-style blends are also common. The 2019 vintage experienced favourable growing conditions, allowing for slow, even ripening and resulting in wines of concentration and balance. Expect a wine of deep colour, appealing aromatics of dark berry fruit, possible hints of mint or eucalyptus—a signature trait of the region—and subtleties of spice and savoury oak. The palate is likely to offer generous fruit, supple tannins and a harmonious structure, suitable for both immediate enjoyment and further cellaring.

Langhorne Creek, located southeast of Adelaide along the banks of the Bremer and Angas Rivers, benefits from a unique river-influenced microclimate. The region enjoys cooling evening breezes, thanks to its proximity to Lake Alexandrina, which tempers the warm daytime temperatures and preserves acidity in the grapes. Soils are predominantly fertile alluvial loams, contributing to the plush, approachable style for which the area is known. Langhorne Creek has a rich viticultural heritage dating back to the mid-19th century, and today continues to produce high-quality, characterful wines prized for their consistency and value.

Such a generous and structured red wine calls for hearty food pairings. It will complement roast lamb with rosemary, chargrilled steak, or slow-cooked beef dishes beautifully. For those wishing to echo the local context, try it alongside a classic Australian meat pie or grilled kangaroo. The wine’s fruit depth and gentle tannins will also work admirably with hard cheeses, rich casseroles, and dishes highlighting earthy vegetables such as mushrooms or aubergine.

Serve this wine at 16-18°C to appreciate its aromatic complexity and textural depth. Decanting for up to an hour is beneficial, especially if enjoyed in its youth, to help the wine open up and reveal its full palate.