Australia · South Australia

Peter Lehmann

Peter Lehmann Wines is one of the Barossa Valley's most storied producers, founded in 1979 when Peter Lehmann — then a winemaker at Saltram — defied industry pressure and purchased grapes from growers left without buyers during a market crisis. That act of loyalty to the Barossa grower community defined the estate's philosophy and earned it enduring goodwill. The portfolio is anchored by Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon and the Stonewell Shiraz, a single-vineyard wine from dry-grown, old-vine Barossa fruit first released in 1987. At auction, the Cabernet Sauvignon dominates with 77 lots averaging $289 per bottle — the 2014 vintage most traded. The Stonewell Shiraz averages $82 with the 1992 vintage among the most collectible. Auction prices range from $5 to $2,318, with the upper end driven by rare verticals and library releases. The overall auction average of $280 across 161 lots reflects the significant premium that old-vine Barossa material commands from collectors. Peter Lehmann died in 2013 and the estate passed to the Casella family (Yellow Tail's owners), but the quality program for the senior wines has been maintained. The Stonewell and Mentor (Cabernet-led blend) remain the focus of serious collector attention, particularly from Australian and Asian buyers.