Langton’s Selections Massena The Eleventh Hour Shiraz Massena is a cult-type Barossa venture which began making wine in 2000. Winemaking partners Dan Standish (ex Torbreck) and Jaysen Collins (ex Turkey Flat) have made quite an impact with their rich, buoyant wines based on North Western Barossa fruit. Greenock, Kalimna and Koonunga Hill – household names – are the main sub regional sources. Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro (Mourvedre) and other parcels are sourced mostly from independent growers. The vineyards are dry-farmed, low-input and low-yielding. Massena is mainly focused on Shiraz and has access to plenty of mature material including patches of century old vines. The winery is located in an old ironstone shearing shed in Lyndoch, which is pretty well in the opposite corner of the Barossa. Winemaking philosophy is modern-traditional with plenty of grunt work during vintage. The wines are generally maturation styles where the fruit is allowed to express itself rather than bludgeoned by oak. Destemming into open fermenters, regular pumping over and basket pressing are common practice. All wines are aged in old French oak barrels although the Shiraz is matured in a proportion of new French oak. All vineyard parcels are kept separate until final blending before bottling. Massena is also trialing new varieties including Barbera, Dolcetto, Durif, Roussanne, Saperavi and Tannat. The Eleventh Hour Shiraz is the top wine in Massena’s portfolio. Howling Dog Durif and Moonlight Run Grenache blend are gradually gaining steam. A Kalimna Barbera is one of the more interesting curios emanating from the Barossa. Massena belongs to the ‘Artisans of the Barossa’ – a group of young winemakers who represent the third wave of innovation and flair from this compelling Australian wine region. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's