Vintage
2022
ABV
13.5%
Wine Type
Red
Wine Style
Still
Wine Description
With a first name John and a family name anchored deep in the story of the Barossa’s western ridge, John Lienert is also known as ‘Jack West’, elusive and enigmatic winemaker and grapegrower. A name that rings big and bold, just like the character of these wines. Made in the vineyard and hitting the mark for those seeking generously flavoured Barossa reds.
Winemaker's Bio
Growing up in the Barossa surrounded by vineyards and wine, it didn’t take James Lienert long to join the dots between studying science, my favourite subject at school, and the potential for practical application by becoming a winemaker.
His first hands on role mirrored that of so many Barossa born kids graduating high school – working vintage at a local winery (Penfolds) and earning more money than he’d ever seen in my life. He subsequently invested his new found wealth ‘wisely’ by travelling the world and doing all the good things a young Australian should be doing at that age – he recalls beer being a consistent theme no matter where he found himself.
He returned to Australia, and to Penfolds for 6 more vintages. Further overseas vintages in New Zealand (Otago), USA (Sonoma) and Germany (Mosel) expanded my world wine view, and he completed his masters in Oenology in 2012. Equipped with a good mix of learned theory and hands on experience, he started his winemaking career at Two Hands which led to his current position as winemaker with the WD Wines Group. Based in Barossa keeps him close to vineyards and affords the opportunity each vintage to make small parcels of wine for Lienert Vineyards from what his brother John and he reckon to be some of the best blocks on the estate.
His approach to winemaking is based on a desire to preserve the character of our estate expressed through wines that show purity of fruit, elegance, delicacy, with finely structured tannins and flavours. Working in partnership with John in the vineyard, his aim in the winery is to retain all the more delicate flavours through varying winemaking techniques and subtle use of oak.
‘Less is more’ is a simple mantra, but to us it captures how we believe we’re best able to unlock the amazing potential of the fruit we grow.” James Lienert
