Peter Lehmann Shiraz

Peter Lehmann Shiraz is a full-bodied Barossa Valley red wine at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle, built from 100% Shiraz grapes sourced across the region. This multi-vineyard blend has earned a 92-point rating from James Halliday and Gold medals at the Berlin Wine Trophy and China Wine & Spirits Awards, confirming its standing as a reliable benchmark of Barossa Shiraz.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Barossa Valley, South Australia  |  Varietal: 100% Shiraz  |  Winery: Peter Lehmann Wines

Production & Heritage

Peter Lehmann Wines was founded in 1979 by the late Peter Lehmann, a revered figure in Barossa Valley winemaking who championed local growers during difficult economic times. The Shiraz draws fruit from more than 60 growers spread across the Barossa, with several contributing vineyards over 100 years old — a detail that adds measurable depth and concentration to the final blend. After fermentation on skins for seven to ten days, the wine matures for 12 months in 300-liter French and American oak hogsheads, with only 10% new oak, keeping the focus firmly on fruit expression rather than heavy wood influence.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe blackberry and plum dominate the opening, followed by layers of dark chocolate, coffee grounds, and cracked black pepper. Subtle notes of black olive and licorice emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is generous and plush, with juicy cherry and cassis forming a dense mid-palate core. Dark fruit flavors build alongside bittersweet chocolate and a restrained toasty oak character that adds structure without masking the regional fruit. Well-integrated tannins carry ripe plum and currant through to the peak.

Finish: Medium to long, with supple tannins anchoring warm spice and lingering dark fruit. A juicy, slightly peppery fade rounds out the experience cleanly.

How to Drink Peter Lehmann Shiraz

This Shiraz shows its best character at cellar temperature — around 16–18°C — poured neat into a large-bowled glass that lets the aromatics develop fully. Decanting for 20–30 minutes opens up the more reserved oak and spice notes. While primarily a food wine, it also works well in wine-based cocktails: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) becomes far more interesting with its dark fruit density; a Red Wine Sangria benefits from the natural plum and chocolate backbone; and a Mulled Wine preparation highlights the existing pepper and spice character without needing heavy additions.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled red meats or hearty pasta
• Introducing someone to the bold, generous style of Barossa Valley Shiraz
• Building an Australian wine collection with a proven, consistent producer
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a barbecue or casual dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Peter Lehmann Shiraz taste like? It delivers a generous, fruit-forward profile dominated by ripe blackberry, plum, and cherry, layered with dark chocolate, warm spice, and a subtle toasty oak character. The tannins are supple and well-structured, giving the wine a rounded, full-bodied feel.

How does Peter Lehmann Shiraz compare to Penfolds St Henri Shiraz? Both are benchmark Barossa Valley Shiraz wines, but Peter Lehmann positions as a more accessible everyday option while Penfolds St Henri sits in a higher price tier with longer aging and greater complexity. Peter Lehmann leans into ripe, generous fruit with moderate oak, whereas St Henri is known for its use of old, large-format vats that emphasize savory, earthy development.

Is Peter Lehmann Shiraz good for sipping on its own? Yes — its rich fruit concentration and balanced tannins make it satisfying to drink neat, especially when served slightly below room temperature. A brief decant helps reveal additional spice and chocolate nuances.

Where is Peter Lehmann Shiraz made? Peter Lehmann Shiraz is produced by Peter Lehmann Wines in the Barossa Valley, South Australia, one of the world's most celebrated Shiraz-growing regions. The fruit is sourced from more than 60 growers across the Barossa, including vineyards over a century old.

What foods pair well with Peter Lehmann Shiraz? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's pepper and dark fruit; slow-cooked beef short ribs echo its richness and structure; aged cheddar highlights the toasty oak notes; a dark chocolate dessert mirrors the chocolate undertones; and wood-fired pizza with charred vegetables matches the smoky, savory elements.

What sizes does Peter Lehmann Shiraz come in? The standard release is widely available in 750ml bottles.

Is Peter Lehmann Shiraz worth the price? Peter Lehmann Shiraz positions as an entry-to-mid-level Barossa Valley Shiraz, delivering old-vine complexity and multi-vineyard depth at a price point well below premium single-vineyard bottlings. Its consistent critical recognition, including 92 points from James Halliday, suggests strong value within the category.

Why Peter Lehmann Shiraz?

What sets this wine apart is the sheer breadth of its sourcing — fruit from over 60 Barossa growers, some tending vines more than 100 years old, blended to represent the region's full spectrum of terroir. That multi-vineyard approach, combined with restrained 10% new oak maturation, produces a Shiraz that tastes like the Barossa itself rather than a single winemaker's signature. Gold medals at international competitions and a 92-point Halliday rating validate the consistency of the approach across vintages. For drinkers seeking an honest, well-made Barossa Shiraz that prioritizes fruit integrity over winemaking spectacle, this remains one of the most dependable bottles on the shelf.