Torbreck "Descendant" Shiraz 2021
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [DM 96] [WA 96] [JS 95] [WS 93]

Notes from the Winemaker:
This single vineyard, located next to our winery block on Roennfeldt Road, was planted in 1994 with cuttings taken from our 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.

Vintage:
The 2021 summer growing season was mild, with even and cool daily temperatures throughout. Enhanced by good rains provided during the winter and spring of 2020, our vineyards grew wonderful canopies and developed well-formed grape bunches. As a result of this long flavour development cycle in the vineyard, 2021’s signature is wines of high aromatic lift with densely coloured tints and exceptional balance.

Tasting Notes:
Wonderfully lifted aromatics, perfumed fresh black and red fruits complemented by spice and florals wafting from the glass. Blackcurrants, mulberry, cassis, and satsuma plum intertwine with pot-pourri, dried apricots, cloves and star anise. The palate shows the integration of dark Barossa fruits and second use RunRig French oak barriques balanced by trademark viscosity. A firm mouthfeel of fine grained tannins balanced by dense yet creamy like texture extolling the vineyard pedigree. Pair with forest game, mushrooms or truffles. Serve at 16C. Ready from 2024- 2040. Store in a cool cellar or wine fridge.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Co-fermenting with 8% Viognier skins (not juice) adds a distinct apricot tang to the blackberry, raspberry liqueur and firmer cherry stone fruit. Dynamic iron filing tannins rise alongside inky florals. Opening up, it reveals exotic blood plum, star anise and cut finger on the finish. Long and persistent, with a spatial quality and lovely fluidity and freshness, Runrig's old-vine cuttings (grafted in 1994) account for this single-vineyard Shiraz’s moniker." - Sarah Ahmed (Apr 2024)

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Descendant is often termed as the "Baby Runrig," which, as we all know, is a bit of a myopic way to view things, but it gets the point across. This is Shiraz fermented on Viognier skins (8% by weight, no liquid) and decidedly floral on the nose, with marmalade and orange peel, pink peppercorns and blood plums. The wine is dense and velvety, with loads of tannin; the Viognier, while contributing floral aromatics, textural silk and flow, also contributes tannin, and it is felt here. There is no new oak, which helps with the tannin expression and core of red and purple fruit. The signature Barossan red dirt and ironstone show through the finish. It's really good! Excellent wine. 15% alcohol, sealed under cork and wax. (Drink 2024-2041)" - Erin Larkin (Apr 2024)

95 Points - James Suckling:
"A tad of viognier added to shiraz propagated as a massale selection. No new oak, but uses second-fill barrels that still impart subtle oak tannins. A broad style, full-bodied, palate-staining and forceful, yet there is admirable detail and a degree of finesse. Blueberry, camphor, licorice, tapenade and ironstone accents, lurking behind the pithy quince and apricot tones. From a single vineyard in Marananga that delivers the goods in a superlative vintage. Drinkable now, but best from 2028." (Feb 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Aromatic and intriguing, with lavender, white pepper, rosemary and Earl Grey notes that are plump, juicy and velvety. Details of gingerbread, wintergreen and clove linger, along with a touch of Asian five-spice. Shiraz and Viognier. Drink now through 2037. 750 cases made, 125 cases imported." - MW (Dec 2024)