Torbreck Descendant 2023 [in bond ex vat] (6x75cl)

96% Shiraz, 4% Viognier 

6x75cl * Vegan * 15% ABV * Barossa Valley, Australia

"...pristine, alluring, hypnotic and evisceratingly cool." Matthew Jukes

Torbreck was founded in 1994 with a commitment to preserving some of the oldest vines on the planet in the dry-grown vineyards that surround the Barossa Valley. Planted in the 1840s, the vines still thrive and bear fruit with wonderful concentration. They are honoured through the production of fine wines with richness, structure and length with the ability to age gracefully. 

This single vineyard, located next to the winery block on Roennfeldt Road, was planted in 1994 with cuttings taken from the RunRig grower vineyards – some of the oldest genetic vine material in Australia.

Shiraz is crushed straight on top of Viognier, which has been lightly pressed for RunRig, and the blend of fruit is then co-fermented. Maturation over 20 months is in barrels that have previously been used for RunRig.

The 2023 growing season brought above-average rainfall in winter and spring and a cooler summer. The majority of the harvest took place in the colder months, and most vineyards were not harvested until April, approximately one month later than usual. Cooler seasons can pose several challenges, but through our dedicated commitment to viticulture practices, such as hand pruning and harvesting with careful soil management, the vintage resulted in low-yielding and resilient fruit. The upside, however, to a cool season is far greater, and producers and wine enthusiasts alike hold these seasons in high regard.

The wine has spent 20 months in second fill French oak barriques, preiously used for RunRig.

Wonderfully lifted perfumed aromatics of fresh black and red fruits complemented by spice and florals wafting from the glass. Blackcurrants, mulberry, cassis, and satsuma plum intertwine with potpourri, dried apricots, cloves and star anise. The palate shows the integration of dark Barossa fruits complimented by second use RunRig French oak barriques balancing the trademark viscosity of this site. A full-bodied wine with elongating, plush mild tannins balanced by a dense yet creamy like texture extolling the vineyard pedigree. Pair with forest game, mushrooms or truffles. Serve at 16C/60F. Ready from 2026- 2045.

"Descended from RunRig, and made from Shiraz and Viognier, this is always a spectacular wine, and it usually packs an extraordinary perfume. The cooler 2023 has heightened the aromatics to an extraordinarily penetrative level, and you can smell the spice, pepper, and iodine from a foot away! This is, without doubt, one of the most Olympic perfumes of all time. In addition, the acidity is high-tensile, and the chassis shows more rigidity and coolness throughout. And then there are the tannins that rake at the dirt like bullocks straining to be unleashed. And yet, with all this drama, the palate is pristine, alluring, hypnotic and evisceratingly cool." 19.5/20, Matthew Jukes

"The 2023 Descendant is a single-vineyard wine composed of co-fermented Shiraz (96%) and Viognier. The vineyard was planted in 1994 for Torbreck, and the old cuttings used for the planting were from great old heritage blocks around the district. Aromatically, the wine is classically Descendant – meaty, floral, savory and earthy, with mineral tannins and sandalwood as well. There is a fresh juniper character alongside the dark fruit. The intensity of tannin endures long beyond the flavor. The cool season has birthed a wine of great concentration and length, which demands time. 15% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. Drink 2026-2043." 96+/100, Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate

"Deep, dense, glass staining purple-red colour. Black fruits on the nose, along with graphite, ironstone and seed spices. Peppery notes underlying in accord with sumptuous blackberry and dark-plum fruit, maybe a twist of licorice too, and with airing a whiff of apricotty viognier is evident. This has a lot going on, and the palate is powerful and long-lasting with real depth and panache. The tannins are abundant and deliciously supple. A big red with grace. Drink 2027-2046." 96/100, Huon Hooke, Real Review

Please note prices are in-bond and exclude VAT and Duty, which are payable when the wines are withdrawn from in-bond storage.