Purple Palate

David Lehmann

Background Story

The Old Redemption’s pedigree is truly great, beginning in 1947. When Dad (Peter Lehmann) joined Saltrams in 1959 he nurtured and added to the reserves with additions of Shiraz, Dolcetto and Tokay. These stocks then formed the base for the awesome old Tawnys, Alameda Show and Mr Pickwick.

When Dad left Saltram in 1979, he owned a significant portion of these old Tawny Stocks. In the 1980s, Dad created a new blend, the Old Redemption from these amazing old reserves. The mid 80s, 90s and early ‘noughties’ saw a decline in the interest in fortified so Dad tucked away the Old Redemption in its barrels for another day.

I must at this point make a clarification, on the label I said that Dad has handed over the Old Redemption to me. He pointed out to me that he bloody well didn’t. I pointed out to him that I was now doing all the bloody work. We’d still be bloody well arguing but we decided to compromise on the following… I am a custodian of Dad’s wonderful wine, (… I’ll just have to outlive the ol’ Bastard!).

However the time is now ripe to reintroduce the Old Redemption. Older, more intense and richer than ever before. Once again, let me give my customary warning … be very careful, once you try the Old Redemption you’ll mortgage the house to get some more!