C.H. Lane `the stache` Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (12 x 750mL), McLaren Vale.

Born in Adelaide in 1959, Christopher Hugh Lane (CH to his mates) has dedicated much of his life to wine. Whilst little is known about the man, his trouble with fast cars, motorcycles, even faster women and a perpetual “need for speed” has overshadowed much his winemaking career.

I first met the reclusive CH in my early wine industry days and he’s been a mentor ever since. He’s always been strangely limelight reluctant (which may have something to do with a witness protection program - I’ve never asked), however, after years of hiding behind the scenes I’ve finally convinced him to release his own label. Much like the man himself, it’s minimalist and straight to the point … just the facts!

After an early career as a “rock doctor” CH turned up in the Barossa Valley in 1981 sporting his distinctive handlebar moustache. He became affectionately known as “the ‘stache” it’s a nickname that’s lasted ever since.

Over the last 30 years he’s been behind some well known names and worked alongside many winemaking legends while riding the corporate train. Today however, he’s dispensed with the bullshit and his vision is simply to make honest, straight forward wines to share with like minded enthusiasts. “the ‘stache” are solid, authentic wines that speak for themselves.

Although he’s a little more reserved these days, the ‘need-for-speed’ is still alive and well, so when he’s not poking around the winery he’s always looking for an excuse to get the leathers out and head to the track for a quick blast or to tinker around with one of the restoration projects he’s got on the go.