Peter Lehmann Masters, `Wigan` Eden Valley Riesling

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. The ‘Hill & Valley’ wines are made from fruit selected, often from single vineyards, in the Barossa Valley and from the higher reaches of the adjacent Eden Valley.

From the shallow rocky soils of the Eden Valley, the Wigan Riesling has become one of Australia’s most celebrated wines. It has been named IWSC “Best Riesling in the World” six times, and accumulated more than 80 trophies since its inaugural vintage.

Vineyards

Known for producing truly world class Riesling, the soils of the Eden Valley are shallow and rocky. The fruit for this wine comes from the William Hurn – Ross’ Block single vineyard.

Vinification

The grapes were picked early and fermented cold in stainless steel for two weeks before clarification. Bottling took place immediately, then the wine was cellared at the winery for five years prior to release.

Tasting Notes

Delicate in colour with youthful highlights, and a soft aroma of lime and floral notes combined with toasty characters. The palate shows great fruit purity, with intense lime cordial character mixed with lemon rind and a fresh, crisp, dry finish. This is one of the classic Wigan Rieslings from an exceptional vintage, which will age well.