Torbreck "Hillside Vineyard" Grenache 2021
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [WA 95] [JS 94] [WS 93] [DM 93]

This exceptional single vineyard Grenache comes from the most southerly owned Torbreck vineyard in the Barossa Valley, The Hillside Vineyard located just north of the township of Lyndoch on the gentle westerly facing high slopes. The soil composition comprises of mostly dark red clay scattered with shale, quartzite and ironstone. These dry grown bush vines are always low yielding and consistently produce outstanding fruit.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"How was 2021 for you, was it as good as I've heard?" I asked winemaker Ian Hongell. "I initially held my powder. But once the wines resolved in barrel, and they came out the other side, I knew they were pretty good. They weren't as obvious. There's a brightness to the 2021s; they're seamless, and there's lifted freshness," said Hongell. The fruit for this 2021 Hillside Vineyard Grenache is from the Hillside vineyard, planted 1949, in Lyndoch. It matured for 18 months in large form (2,400 liters) French oak foudre. This is very good. There is a core of sweet red fruit at the very heart of this wine, but it is wrapped in a casing of very fine, savory tannins. The alcohol is 15%, but it in no way minimizes the freshness of the fruit, and the cool season is evident in the outlay of flavor across the palate. To repeat, this is very good. 2023-2033.

94 Points - James Suckling 

Lovely dried strawberries with hints of chocolate and walnut on the nose and palate. Medium body with some floral notes and a juicy finish. A freshness and brightness here. Agile. The vineyards were planted in 1949. So attractive now but will age well. Drink or hold.

93 Points - Decanter:

Succulent, fragrant, fleshy and admirably lithe at 15% abv, perhaps courtesy of ageing in 2,400-litre French oak foudres. Juicy acidity allows rippling red cherry and berry fruit to shine, while milk chocolate ups the yumminess. Crushed cherry stone tannins lend a refined note, whilst maintaining line. Sourced from the pick of the Hillside vineyard’s 1949 vines, with the balance going into The Steading.

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
Perfumed and intense, with notes of fresh violet and dried rose petal, a core of fresh red fruit flavors and a touch of juicy blood orange at the core. Reveals toasted herbs and savory hints of forest floor and oolong tea that linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2036. 300 cases made, 40 cases imported.