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94POINTS
17½/20
Peter Lehmann VSV Hongell Shiraz 2012
Barossa Valley, South Australia, AustraliaWith over 150 growers and countless blocks of wine that can be streamed into single vineyard offerings it is no surprise that Peter Lehmann can unleashed such a compelling series of VSV wines year in and year out. These small batch, special blocks are labelled complete with each grower's signature and are only made in exceptional years. In 2012 senior winemaker Ian Hongell and his wife Daniela, owners of a plot of vines they planted in 1999 along the western ridge of the Barossa Valley (in the Stonewell District) made the VSV cut. Interestingly any winemaker with vineyard ownership at Lehmann must leave the tasting room when it's on the bench for classification. In 2012 the colour is deep with a bright edge leading to a bouquet of dark plums and mixed spice. The palate shows typical richness and is harnessed beautifully by the tannins from the iron stone rich soil to give a remarkable red wine with a great sense of place and a long, stylish finish. Some partial barrel fermentation followed by 15 months in French oak hogsheads gives it just the right weight and texture. A T-bone steak is the match or a strong, mature cheese. In 2012 the colour is deep with a bright edge leading to a bouquet of dark plums and mixed spice. The palate is typically Stonewell District rich with a power that springs from the rocky red/brown soils and tannins that come with finesse. Some partial barrel fermentation followed by 15 months in French oak hogsheads gives it just the right weight and texture. A T-bone steak is the match or a strong, mature cheese, otherwise sit back and gives this five to eight years to gather itself in the bottle.Tasted: 30 March 2014Tasted by: Anthony Gismondi and Stuart TobePrices:| BC | $56.00 | 750ml | speculative listing - International Cellars |
Grape: Shiraz/Syrah
