At a glance

Producer

Peter Lehmann Wines

Region

Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia

Grape variety

Shiraz

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$75-$110 USD

Tasting profile

Dense black fruit (blackberry, plum), chocolate, licorice, espresso, mature leather, earth, and subtle oak spice.

Evolution: From youthful jammy fruit and toasty oak to layered secondary/tertiary notes—dried fruit, spice box, tobacco, and game.

At peak: At peak, expect full integration of tannins, harmonious fruit/acid balance, lifted Barossa spice, and complex savory depth.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus (provides balance and freshness).

Tannins

Firm, fine-grained, becoming silkier with age.

Alcohol

High (approx. 14.5%-15% ABV)

Aging potential

Long-lived for South Australian Shiraz—20+ years from vintage in excellent cellars.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2022 to 2028

Optimal window

2017 to 2032

Current status

Prime, fully mature but with continued cellaring potential

Current condition

The 2012 Stonewell Shiraz is drinking beautifully now, showing rich tertiary complexity while retaining fruit and structure. Top bottles carefully stored will continue to evolve up to 2032.

2012 was a classic quality vintage in Barossa; Stonewell Shiraz is a flagship, structured for long-term cellaring. Its robust tannin and acidity profile, coupled with expert vinification, allow it to age gracefully for up to two decades. The window extends comfortably to 2032 for top-stored bottles, fitting the upper spectrum for world-class Australian Shiraz.

Food pairing

Ideal with grilled lamb, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, kangaroo loin, pepper steak, or mushroom risotto. Try with slow-cooked dishes rich in umami.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To open up tertiary aromas and resolve sediment, benefiting both bouquet and palate integration.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Peter Lehmann Wines is SWA-accredited, employing environmentally sensitive viticulture (minimal irrigation, reduced agrochemicals), integrated pest management, on-site water recycling, solar energy usage at winery sites, lightweight packaging, and local sourcing for materials. No organic or biodynamic certification on this bottling; focus on regional biodiversity and reduced carbon inputs.

Peter Lehmann Barossa Stonewell Shiraz is produced under Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification, indicating a significant commitment to environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and water management. The winery emphasizes low-impact farming, water recycling, solar energy, and recyclable glass. Their sustainable practices exceed general industry standards for conventional Barossa estates, though they do not pursue organic/biodynamic certification (which would warrant a higher score). Carbon impact is moderate—better locally, higher with overseas exports. Overall, this wine scores a 7 out of 10 for sustainability based on current Australian benchmarks.