If they had to do the same again, they would, my friends, Orlando

Iconic Australian wine brand Orlando is back on bottle shop shelves with two ranges, The Legends and The New Heroes, capturing the essence of some Australian classics and introducing Australians to a new range of modern wines.

Under the hand of chief winemaker Ben Thoman (above), the new Orlando portfolio will feature regionally focused wines that showcase the best expression of the varietal, including iconic wines Steingarten, Jacaranda Ridge and Lawson’s.

Established in 1874 by the Gramp family, Orlando was an Australian household name in the 1950s and 1960s and was recognised as one of the biggest producers of quality wine in Australia with over 1000 awards and accolades since records began in the 1980s.

Orlando led Australian winemaking at pivotal times in history, challenging the status quo at a time when fortified wines dominated the industry.

The visionaries of Orlando led technological innovation in Australian winemaking, for example importing the first temperature-controlled pressure fermentation tanks from Germany which introduced Australia to a revolutionary new method of table wine production.

“Orlando’s winemaking history, and the legendary name that comes with it, is founded on exploring new opportunities yet respecting what’s already been discovered and proven," says Thoman.

"I look forward to continuing this journey; maintaining the legacy of the wines while creating new wines for Australians to fall in love with.”

Orlando, now owned by Pernod Ricard, is releasing five wines in The Legends range and four of the next generation under The New Heroes.

The Legends comprise Lawson’s 2015 Padthaway Shiraz, Jacaranda Ridge 2015 Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Centenary Hill 2015 Barossa Shiraz, Steingarten 2019 Eden Valley Riesling and Lyndale 2018 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay. 

I had the Jacaranda Ridge the other day - and it is a classic, drinking beautifully. 

The Orlando New Heroes wines are modern Australian wines and include Cellar 13 2019 Barossa Grenache, Printz Shed 2018 Northern Barossa Shiraz, Bungalow Lane 2014 Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon and Hilary 2019 Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.

The grenache and Hilary shiraz - the wines I have tried so far - are both outstanding. See orlandowines.com.