The late 1970s were a time when the Barossa Valley's vineyards were draped with a sense of foreboding, as if the land itself was holding its breath. Imagine row after row of vines, their grapes heavy with promise, yet unwanted—a silent symphony of abundance falling on deaf ears. Contracts were shredded like forgotten promises, and the valley’s grape growers, generations deep in tradition, watched their livelihoods slip through their fingers like sand in an hourglass.
Enter Peter Lehmann, a man with the resilience of an old oak tree and the foresight of a vintner who knew that wine was more than just a drink—it was a story, a community, a lifeblood. Lehmann didn’t see a surplus of grapes as a crisis; he saw it as an opportunity to be seized. If the wineries wouldn’t take the fruit of these family growers’ labor, Lehmann would.
If this were a fable, Lehmann would be the lone figure standing at the crossroads, choosing the uncertain path where others saw only dead ends.
Armed not with a sword, but with a vision as bold as a Barossa Shiraz, he gathered the growers, not with grand promises, but with something rarer—his word. The handshakes that followed were more than mere agreements—they were lifelines.
Lehmann’s bold gamble was "The Futures" wine. He promised the growers he’d pay them, but only after the wine sold—a business model built entirely on trust and faith. It was a radical departure from the traditional ways of doing things, yet it was quintessentially Lehmann. He wasn’t just making wine; he was bottling hope. And as the first bottles of "The Futures" rolled out, they did more than generate profit. They revived the spirits of the growers, breathing life into a community on the brink.
Today, Peter Lehmann Wines stands as an emblem of what it means to bet everything on conviction. His wines are more than just a tribute to the valley; they’re a living testament to the people who kept the vines alive when it seemed the world had forgotten them. Lehmann didn’t just save an industry; he rewrote its story, one handshake at a time.
Take any bottle from the collection and you’re not just opening a wine, you’re unlocking a legacy.
Barossan X Twisted Shiraz: A Tale of Boldness and Balance
Imagine setting off on a scenic route, one you’ve never taken before, where every twist and turn leads to a delightful discovery. That’s the journey the Barossan X Twisted Shiraz promises your palate. Draped in a medium ruby-red gown with a flirtatious crimson hue, this wine is no wallflower. Its aromas leap out like a spontaneous invitation to dance, with red cherry notes swirling in the air, flirting with the exotic whispers of Turkish delight and the sweet richness of dried figs—a gift from its Spanish-rooted Tempranillo companion.
On the palate, it’s as if you’re navigating a charming cobblestone street, each step balanced and firm. The mid-palate brings a texture that feels like a bold Spanish handshake, confident and grounding. It’s a medium-bodied wine, but its lively, vibrant finish reveals a character that refuses to be overshadowed—like the final flourish of a flamenco dancer’s skirt, leaving you with lightly toasted cedar oak and the rustic warmth of savory dried fruits.
This Shiraz is not your typical heavy-hitter. It’s a refreshing alternative, especially when lightly chilled for those warm spring and summer nights. Picture this: a plate of rich chorizo and prawn paella sitting before you, the wine cutting through the smoky, spicy richness with its brightness, enhancing every bite like a whispered secret between old friends.
Barossan X Radical Shiraz: A Rebel in a Glass
Barossan X Radical Shiraz is, as its name suggests, a wine that breaks free from convention. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Shiraz; it’s the rebellious cousin who shows up with a cheeky grin and a daring story to tell. The ruby-red core with its bold purple hue promises something different, and the nose delivers. The aromas are a daring cocktail of red plum and blackberry, with sour cherry notes that cut through like the sharp wit of a charming stranger. A hint of dried thyme lingers in the background, offering a nod to the Touriga grape’s Italian heritage, bringing an old-world charm to a modern expression.
On the palate, it’s a harmonious symphony—each note played with precision. The wine dances between its medium-bodied richness and bright, textured mid-palate, leaving you with a grip that holds on just long enough, like a firm, satisfying Italian embrace that makes you feel like family. The vibrant, bright-fruited finish is adorned with whispers of cedar oak and the savory complexity of dried fruits, like a rebellious twist in an otherwise predictable tale.
This is a wine that thrives alongside Italian fare. Tomato pappardelle ragu or a slow-roasted fig and gorgonzola pizza? The Radical Shiraz makes these dishes sing, complementing their richness with every sip.
Barossan X Daring Shiraz: The Bold Maverick
For those who crave a wine with presence, the Barossan X Daring Shiraz is the maverick that struts into the room, commanding attention. Draped in a deep ruby-red with garnet hues, it looks as bold as it tastes. On the nose, it’s a rich blend of blueberry, plum, and dark fruits that beckon like an invitation to explore something deeper. Violet and spice from the Montepulciano add a seductive layer, drawing you in further.
This Shiraz doesn’t disappoint when it hits the palate—it’s a full-bodied experience, with bright red fruits leading the charge. But just when you think you’ve figured it out, dark fruits, chocolate, and cedar oak emerge, adding depth and complexity like plot twists in a novel you can’t put down. The finish? It’s a long, generous embrace of juicy fruit and tannins, leaving a trail that lingers like the memory of a perfect night.
This daring bottle begs to be paired with an equally bold meal. Imagine a thick-cut dry-aged Wagyu steak, perfectly charred and paired with garlic-sautéed Hasselback potatoes—the Daring Shiraz holds its own, complementing and enhancing the rich, savory notes of the dish.
At $23.00 a bottle, this collection offers a taste of luxury without the luxury price tag, making it a must-have for those who prefer their Shiraz to have a little swagger. Available at Dan Murphy’s, it’s the perfect companion for a daring dinner.
Much like the daring man behind it, Peter Lehmann Wines invites drinkers to Rewrite the Rules. These wines aren’t content to sit quietly in a glass. They’re bold, modern, and unapologetically full of character—much like Peter Lehmann himself. Pair a glass with a rich, spicy chorizo paella or sip it on its own, slightly chilled, on a warm summer’s evening. Either way, you’re not just tasting wine—you’re drinking in the spirit of the Barossa, a story of defiance and triumph, bottled for your pleasure.
So, here’s to Peter Lehmann—the man who didn’t just make wine, but who bottled the very soul of a valley. Each pour carries with it the echoes of that time when a community was saved by faith, courage, and a good glass of Shiraz.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Peter Lehmann.