In a year of major news for Peter Lehmann Wines, one thing that has remained consistent has been the succession planning for the key role of Chief Winemaker. After all, taking over from the twice IWSC International Winemaker of the Year (2003 and 2006) and the maker of the Jimmy Watson Trophy winning 1989 Stonewell Shiraz, is not something to take lightly. Andrew Wigan’s career has formed a significant chapter in Australian wine. No pressure though.
Andrew Wigan has built up a collective winemaking mentality over the years, so you could say the preparation began as far back as 1998 when Ian Hongell and Andrew Wigan began working with one another. The natural evolution in the winemaking team is something that builds upon Wigan’s achievements over the past 35 years.
“Andrew and Ian have worked together for 16 years, and taken winemaking to new levels,” said CEO Jeff Bond. “This followed the formidable working partnership of Andrew and Peter Lehmann, which began years before our winery was established in 1979.
“Ian is a talented and innovative winemaker, and staunch defender of the values Peter Lehmann Wines was founded upon. He is looking forward to pursuing the continued development into vineyards and greater diversification of varieties in recent years.”
The tradition of collective winemaking will survive with Wigan consulting to Hongell’s team – Peter Kelly, Tim Dolan and viticulturist Nigel Blieschke - on fruit intake, planning and classification tastings from vintage 2015.
While he is looking forward to reducing his golf handicap, Wigan will also continue to fly the flag for Peter Lehmann and Australian wine as a travelling ambassador.
“When we started out, we never dreamed that anyone outside Australia would ever want to drink Australian wine,” Wigan said. “To see the Peter Lehmann brand known internationally today is an honour. I know it is in good hands with Ian, and I look forward to sharing his wines and his vision with the world from next year.”
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