Torbreck "Hillside Vineyard" Grenache 2022
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [VM 96] [WA 94+] [JS 94] [WS 93]

About the Wine:
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.

Vintage:
The 2022 vintage was characterised by above average winter rains making up for a dry autumn, leading to full canopies and healthy vines for the harvest. A severe hail storm across some parts of the Valley in late October resulted in lower average yields. The summer was remarkably mild with very few days above 30 degrees. Slow ripening in the cooler conditions made for a gentle and drawn out vintage season, resulting in wines with higher natural acidity, rich colours and fine tannins. The wines from 2022 will reward those patient enough to cellar them away. 

Tasting Notes:
This unique parcel of single vineyard old bush vine Grenache from vines planted in1949. From a cooler harvest, lifted aromas of damson plum, red currant, cranberry and red cherry lift from the glass. Intermingling the red fruits is secondary notes of beef jerky, wild shitake mushrooms, clove and white pepper. The palate has an abundance of red fruits and velvety texture complimenting spice notes with soft elongated tannins and cleansing acidity. A wine that will cellar for 8+ years but ready upon release. Pair with roast lamb, Chinese duck pancakes or a vegetable lasagna. Serve at 16C/55F.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"The captivating 2022 Grenache Hillside seriously delivers a perfumed and refined package. Initially, it opens up with wild cherry and bouquet garni aromas dusted with salt, bush and crushed spices. Energetic and vibrant, fleshy red fruits show excellent focus and are complimented by earthy, leathery tones before building into a fine, ethereal and remarkably complex finish. Benchmark Barossa Grenache. (Drink between 2026-2034)" - Angus Hughson (Aug 2024)

94+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2022 Hillside Vineyard Grenache is perfectly representative of the 2022 vintage. It is plush and attractive, appealing and open and offers consummate balance between its component parts: tannins, acidity and fruit notes are all performing in harmony, delivering a wine of freshness and beauty. This wine is the most recent release of this cuvée and marks the youngest wine in this vertical from 2016–2022. This has miles to go before it sleeps, but I daresay it will have all been consumed before the 2021 reaches the end of the clearing of its path. 15% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. 2025 - 2052" - Erin Larkin (Sep 2025)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Very aromatic with a savory undertone, showing aromas of wild raspberries, blackberries, spices and tobacco leaves. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of blood plums, dark cherries, cedar and ferric earth. Made from vines planted in 1949. Balanced, supple and delicious. Drink or hold." (Oct 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Offers complex red fruit flavors of lingonberry preserves, dried cranberry, wild strawberry and maraschino cherry at the core. Details of clove, cumin and red licorice -- along with a dense, firming black tea note that emerges on the finish -- leave a complex, seamless impression. Drink now through 2036. 80 cases imported." - Mary Ann Worobiec (Jun 2025)