Wine News

Australian fine wine auctioneers Langtons have just published their fourth version of Australia's answer to Bordeaux's 1855 Classification. Langtons' Classification of Distinguished Australian wine was first released in 1991. and was recognised as the first credible form guide of fine Australian wine. The 1991 edition was followed up by a re-classification in 1996, 2000, and now in July 2005.

See New Classifications

Langtons' classification divides 101 Australian auction room regulars into four divisions; Exceptional, Outstanding, Excellent and Distinguished, based on their track record at auction. The Classification is based on the objective criteria of time and market demand. A wine must have 12 vintages made or 10 vintages released to be considered for the Classification. Wines in the `Exceptional' category must have at least 15 vintages released.

Wines listed as Exceptional include Penfolds Grange and Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay.

Outstanding wines include Mount Mary Pinot Noir.

Excellent wines include  Elderton Command Shiraz and Yarra Yering Dry Red No.1 Cabernet Sauvignon.