Peter Lehmann Masters Wigan Eden Valley Riesling

Country: Australia Region: Eden Valley

Varietal: Riesling Year: 2016

 Colour: White Style: Dry

Producer: Peter Lehmann

Description:

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 'Masters' wines are made from the parcels regarded by the winemakers as the best Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz of the vintage.

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.

Grapes were harvested early, following a cool and dry growing season and timely rainfall at veraison. A classic vintage, the 2016 will be hailed as one of, if not the greatest Wigan Riesling made, only fitting given this vintage was Andrew Wigan's last before his retirement.

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.

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.

97 Points (Gold) Wine Companion

2002 vines. Wigan is king of Eden Valley riesling and yet again one of the top releases of the year. Still a magnificent straw-green at just 5yo, it's at that magic moment where primary and secondary characters unite in equal measure. All the fresh lime and Granny Smith apple of youth, backed by rising buttery, spicy, roast almond maturity. Brilliant acid line charges an astonishing finish that lasts for 30 seconds. Yes, I timed it! For all it represents, this might just be the bargain of the year.

Tyson Stelzer 2021

Food Matches: Oriental / Aperitif / Fusion / Spicy