Peter Lehmann Stonewell Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016

The palate is well textured, with intense red and plummy fruit as well as dark chocolate. Fine tannins open up to reveal a wine of immense power and grace.

Producer

Country

Region

Appellation

Vintage

2016

Wine Type

Grape(s)

Dietary

Alcohol %

14.5%

Bottle Size

750ml

Location

TR-D13
Bottle
£92.00

Peter Lehmann Stonewell Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016

A celebrated wine, epitomizing the rich and robust character synonymous with the Barossa Valley region in Australia. This Shiraz is crafted from carefully selected grapes sourced from low-yielding, old Shiraz vines in the Stonewell district, known for producing some of the finest Shiraz wines.

In the glass, the wine presents a deep, opaque black core with a vibrant crimson rim, hinting at its youthful exuberance and intensity. On the nose, it offers an intricate bouquet of aromas. Initially, you are greeted with a heady mix of ripe dark fruits, such as blackberries, plums, and blackcurrants, which provide a luscious, fruit-forward profile. These fruit notes are interwoven with secondary aromas of dark chocolate, espresso, and vanilla, resulting from the wine’s maturation in American and French oak barrels. As the wine opens up, subtle hints of dried herbs, tobacco, and earthy nuances begin to emerge, adding layers of complexity.

On the palate, the 2016 Stonewell Shiraz is full-bodied and well-structured, with a velvety, smooth texture that coats the mouth. The wine’s opulent dark fruit flavors dominate the initial taste, accompanied by rich plum and black cherry notes. This is complemented by a complex medley of secondary flavors, including licorice, dark chocolate, and a hint of spice, such as black pepper and clove. The oak aging imparts further depth with undertones of cedar, vanilla, and a touch of smokiness.

One of the standout features of this Shiraz is its impressive tannin structure. The tannins are firm yet refined, providing a solid backbone that balances the wine’s intense fruitiness. They integrate seamlessly with the wine’s natural acidity, ensuring a harmonious and balanced profile. The finish is long and persistent, leaving lingering impressions of dark fruit, spice, and a mineral-like quality that reflects the unique terroir of the Stonewell district.

The Peter Lehmann Stonewell Barossa Valley Shiraz 2016

The grapes for this Shiraz are sourced from low-yielding, old vines in the Stonewell district of the Barossa Valley. These vines, some dating back to 1885, produce small, dense berries known as “Little Black Jewels” due to their deep color and intense flavor. The grapes undergo fermentation and maceration on their skins for up to two weeks, with some partial barrel fermentation. This process extracts maximum flavor and tannin structure from the grapes. After pressing and clarification, the wine is matured in French oak hogsheads for approximately 18 months. This oak maturation adds complexity, with notes of cedar, vanilla, and a touch of smokiness

The 2016 Stonewell Shiraz is designed for longevity. It can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruitiness and complexity, but it also has the potential to age gracefully for up to three decades. During this time, the wine will develop further nuance and elegance, with the tannins softening and the flavors becoming more integrated and harmonious. The wine’s firm tannin structure and balanced acidity ensure it will age well, making it a valuable addition to any cellar

This Shiraz pairs beautifully with a range of rich and hearty dishes. Consider serving it alongside a succulent roast beef, a savory lamb stew, or game meats such as venison or duck. The wine’s robust flavors and firm tannins also complement aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Cheddar, or Grana Padano. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with a hearty mushroom risotto or a rich, tomato-based pasta dish.

Peter Lehmann Wines is known for its commitment to showcasing the best of the Barossa Valley. The winemaking team follows a meticulous process, with a focus on selecting the finest grapes and employing traditional winemaking techniques. The goal is to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Barossa Valley and offer a true expression of the region’s rich winemaking heritage.

Peter Lehmann, with 33 vintages already under his belt, started his own winery in 1979, partly as a means of helping with the glut of grapes then afflicting the Barossa. “I’ll take your grapes and turn them into wine,” he told the desperate growers, many of them conservative farmers of Silesian descent who regarded their old vines as part of their patrimony. “But I’ll only be able to pay you when I sell the wine.” They gratefully accepted.

Without this deal, it is widely thought that the Barossa would have lost a huge chunk of its old vines. Over the decades, certain vineyards have consistently stood out to the winemakers for their quality and individual character. Fruit from these vineyards is set aside when the vintage permits and made in small batches to highlight this character as single vineyard wines under the “VSV” label. Volumes are limited but the wines are outstanding.

Shiraz

Syrah, or shiraz as it’s known in the New World, is considered to be one of the great noble black grape varieties, because it can produce such deliciously dark, full-bodied and age-worthy wines.

Expect rich, brooding flavours of blackberry, black plums and blackcurrant, with spicy, coffee, leathery and liquorice notes in hotter regions and gamey, truffle notes developing with a bit of age.

Silver Decanter Wine awards 2022

  • Suitable for Vegetarians
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The Country

Australia, with its vast landmass spanning over 7.5 million square kilometres, offers a rich tapestry of wine styles. Climates and topography vary significantly, resulting in unique terroirs that shape the character of Australian wines. Here’s a glimpse into the grape varieties and wine styles you can discover:

Shiraz (Syrah): Often hailed as Australia’s flagship grape, Shiraz thrives in various regions. Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon vines flourish in South Australia, particularly in Coonawarra and Margaret River. Chardonnay: Australia’s Chardonnays range from unoaked and fresh to full-flavored and creamy. Riesling: Cool-climate regions like Clare Valley and Eden Valley craft exquisite Rieslings. Pinot Noir: Tasmania and Mornington Peninsula are Pinot Noir havens. Sauvignon Blanc: Adelaide Hills and Margaret River produce zesty, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.

In this vast and diverse landscape, Australian wines invite you to explore, savor, and celebrate the artistry of winemaking

The Region

South Australia is the historic heart of Australian wine, boasting some of the most famous regions, well-known wineries, and oldest vines in the country such as Adelaide Hills just 20 minutes east of Adelaide, Barossa Valley world-renowned for its historic vineyards and full-flavored Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Connawarra Known worldwide for its outstanding, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon and McLaren Vale South Australia’s first wine region, established in 1838,

The Producer

Peter Lehmann, with 33 vintages already under his belt, started his own winery in 1979, partly as a means of helping with the glut of grapes then afflicting the Barossa. “I’ll take your grapes and turn them into wine,” he told the desperate growers, many of them conservative farmers of Silesian descent who regarded their old vines as part of their patrimony. “But I’ll only be able to pay you when I sell the wine.” They gratefully accepted.

Without this deal, it is widely thought that the Barossa would have lost a huge chunk of its old vines. Over the decades, certain vineyards have consistently stood out to the winemakers for their quality and individual character. Fruit from these vineyards is set aside when the vintage permits and made in small batches to highlight this character as single vineyard wines under the “VSV” label. Volumes are limited but the wines are outstanding.