Shared with permission from The Robb Report.
In the world of Australian wine, few names resonate with the same sense of heritage and integrity as Peter Lehmann. The 2018 Masterson Shiraz represents one of the house’s most coveted releases, encapsulating the Barossa Valley’s enduring spirit and craftsmanship. Made only in exceptional vintages, this single-vineyard masterpiece perfectly evokes the micro-terroir of its unique parcel, ready to evolve gracefully and reward those who invest in its future.
The 2018 vintage delivers everything a collector seeks: immense, inky colour, beautifully poised acidity, and an even, structural tannin profile. These attributes form a robust backbone, ensuring indefinite cellaring potential for those who appreciate the art of patience—the kind of wine that doesn’t just age, it gathers gravitas.
The story of Peter Lehmann is woven into the fabric of the Barossa. In the late 1970s, when the region faced hardship, Lehmann stood firm, championing a cause that saved the livelihoods of countless growers and their families. His handshake was his promise, and his word was his bond. That spirit of trust and camaraderie continues today, enabling Peter Lehmann’s winemakers to access some of the Barossa’s most prized fruit from longstanding grower relationships.
Before Masterson is born, each parcel of Shiraz is assessed blind by Peter Lehmann’s team of winemakers. From this classification process, the finest parcels are chosen to craft Stonewell Shiraz. Yet only in vintages blessed with near-ideal conditions does a wine emerge with an irresistible presence—a singular expression of place. When that happens, it becomes Masterson: powerful, precise, and unapologetically Barossa.
For this 2018 vintage, 130 individual parcels of wine were narrowed down until the winemakers selected grower Mike McCarthy’s block in Bethany, making this the second release following the inaugural 2015 vintage.
The 2018 Barossa vintage was a study in balance and intensity. Following solid winter and spring rainfall, soil moisture levels were optimal, setting the stage for healthy vineyard canopies heading into summer. Warm, dry conditions in January and February, coupled with summer rainfall at just 50% of the average, created smaller yields and darker concentration. Very warm day and night temperatures in February slowed ripening and tempered natural acidity, while yields were 10 percent lower than average, resulting in Shiraz of remarkable concentration and depth.
Harvest commenced in early March, with the fruit for Masterson Shiraz picked at perfect ripeness on February 20th 2018. After a meticulous 14-day fermentation on skins with regular pumpovers, the wine was basket pressed and matured with precision: six months in neutral hogsheads, followed by an extraordinary 41 months in seasoned second-use Foudre. A further year in bottle allowed every element to harmonise, culminating in a wine destined for collectors and connoisseurs.
This piece of Barossa history is crafted for those who value rarity, provenance and patience—to enquire about remaining availability, contact cellar.door@peterlehmannwines.com and note any preferred bottle number(s) to confirm selection (subject to availability).
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