Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the Peter Lehmann The Barossan Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $21.49 regularly $25.99.
Often referred to as the man who saved the Barossa Valley, Peter Lehmann’s reputation is legendary throughout the region and in Australian winemaking history.
The late 1970s were difficult times for the Barossa Valley wine grape growing community as there was a severe grape surplus where companies refused to buy grapes and honor existing contracts, and Peter Lehmann knew this would destroy the livelihoods of the family growers. In a courageous bid to support his community, Peter took out a loan, assembled equipment and built a small winery to process their grapes. True to his promise to them, when the money started coming in Peter made sure to pay his growers first.
Having gone through the tough times, not just to make great wine but to preserve the future of the land and the Barossa region, the growers gave him unrivalled access to the very best grapes thereafter.
Our weekly offer this week is their “The Barossan Cabernet Sauvignon” – deep crimson with garnet hues and a slight purple tinge. This complex, medium-full bodied Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon displays vibrant cassis with notes of black olive on the nose. The palate is lush and rich, with mulberry and blueberry fruit, savoury herbal and cigar-box flavours imparted from carefully selected French oak. The tannins are fine and ripe and the wine finishes with soft, fruit-dominated length. Pair with slow roasted meats or a grilled steak.