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| Peter Lehman Stonewell |
Peter Lehmann Stonewell Shiraz 2008 (Barossa, SA)
14%, Screwcap, $100
Source: A glass from a colleague’s bottle
www.peterlehmannwines.com
Like the new Stonewell label? It’s aimed at integrating this wine into the Peter Lehmann range a little better. Whilst it achieves that well, I do wonder if it has given up some label recognition in the progress (it has for me). What do you think?
Fittingly, this wine appears to be missing some charm too – the challenges of the record 2008 March heat wave writ large.
You can smell that warmth on the nose which is dense and choc fudge-y and heavy. Whilst the oak treatment here is first rate, giving sweetness to the nose and texture to the palate it can’t cover up the ‘flatness’ and desiccation of the little black Shiraz berries at this wines core. There is a fraction more freshness on the palate, though it’s hobbled by bucket loads of added acid drying things out before a short and warm finish. On the plus side this carries no shortage of concentration (hot vintages are good at that) and a hearty mid palate.
Ultimately the issue here is purely about a lack of vitality. That sexy oak can’t cover for stressed fruit that will never look fresh, no matter how much tartaric acid is thrown at it. 15.8/87
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10 Comments
that label just doesn't look like a serious wine's label IMO
So 87 from you AG, 94 from Mattinson, and 99 from Stelzer! Love it when a wine creates such a divergence of opinion and I feel like I have to try it now.
I'm proud to be the outlier Red. Deadly honest and proud of it mate. 🙂
Zoli – agreed. A super premium looking label it ain't (in my opinion).
Not keen on the new labeling across the board tbh.
Now you say you had a glass, do you think it would integrate – improve over time at all?
I'm normally a big fan of the Stonewell.
Normally a big fan too Stu. Bought more 04 last year. Just a glass is probably selling me short as I looked at this over several hours. Had it alongside a 83 389 and a Minervois from Fourth Wave. Thought even the $40 Minervois looked more vital actually which was damning.
It should well get better but it will never be a great Stonewell.
No intention to sell thee short. Thanks for clarifying.
Normally a sterling number. Ah well. Have to see if I can clap my own laughing gear around it at some point.
Good to question though Stu. Very valid. I've always considered Stonewell to be super consistent so was bluntly surprised by how little I enjoyed this. Kept looking, kept coming away disappointed.
Just had a bottle of the 2008 that has aged in my cellar all these years. Wine was delicious! Still has a nice core of ripe fruit with some saddle leather notes. After breathing for about an hour, minty menthol notes came out. Went great with mint marinated lamb for dinner. Interestingly enough, I still had the old label on my bottle.
Good to hear it’s in a better place. Time heals many wounds…