Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2018

This wine reflects the up and coming Shiraz vineyards of the Barossa, rather than the battle hardened old vines that make up the core of our other cuvee’s. But like all Torbreck wines, Woodcutter’s - Shiraz receives the very best viticultural and winemaking treatment. Although this wine is constantly praised for its succulence and richness, there is also a complexity and texture which is rarely found at this price.

VINTAGE

An above average winter rainfall led into a below average spring and summer rainfall, producing small bunches and small berries, leading to a reduced yield. Quality was certainly high, particular amongst our red varieties of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro. 2018 wines will be remembered for their impressive color, structure and longevity.

TASTING

Full of freshness and bright youthful fruits, the 2018 vintage brings an opulence and class to the wines. Aromatic plum and raspberries with freshness and balance, the wine has a round central core of red fruit that gives way to a complex mid-palate full of cassis, dark cherry, spice and vanilla. While offering immense pleasure in its youth, the 2018 Woodcutter’s – Shiraz will certainly develop into an impressive wine with a few more years in the cellar. A fantastic introduction to the Torbreck range.

From Robert Parker: “It's another successful vintage for this wine, which gives consumers a taste of the Torbreck style at a reasonable price. The 2018 Woodcutter's Shiraz offers raspberry and mulberry flavors, a full-bodied, plush, supple palate and savory hints of mocha and black olive on the finish.”

VARIETY: 100% Shiraz

SUB-REGIONS: Marananga, Greenock, Seppeltsfield, Gomersal, Moppa, Lyndoch, Eden Valley, Ebenezer

HARVEST: March 6^th – April 18^th 2018

MATURATION: 12 months in well-seasoned French oak hogsheads and Foudre.

ANALYSIS: Alc/Vol 15%, pH 3.60, Acidity 5.88g/L

COLOR: Deep Garnet, hues of purple.

AROMA: Dark plum, raspberries, cassis, dark cherry, spice and vanilla.

PALATE: Medium to full bodied, soft tannins and textural mouthfeel.

CELLAR: Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.

The Steading 2016

Semillon has always found a natural home in the Barossa. It was one of the early white wine grape varieties planted by the first settlers around 160 years ago and the Mediterranean climate and careful farming has created a heritage of old, low yielding Semillon vineyards. With the use of an age-old, robust, pink-skinned Madeira clone, found mainly in the Barossa, the Woodcutter’s Semillon is reminiscent of the savory white wines found in the central and southern regions of France.

From Wine Spectator “Bold and dense, with black pepper, licorice and wild blackberry notes up front, thick, velvety tannins and emerging details of espresso and dark chocolate. Finds balance. The flavors are distinct and aromatic. Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. Drink now through 2028.”

VINTAGE

Despite a dry winter, rains in January and March 2016 freshened the older vines and provided long, slow ripening periods in between, which led to a stand-out vintage with high quality fruit.

TASTING

The Steading has a fragrancy, purity of fruit, mid-palate concentration and savory tannin profile that makes it an exemplary wine. Vibrant aromas of violet, star anise and spice all unfold to reveal an impressive array of underlying fruit flavors. Silky, succulent dark fruits, black olive, savory earth, licorice and Asian spice. These complex yet elegant flavors are all neatly interwoven with a perfect balance of acidity and supple, silky tannins. The Steading will continue to develop with time in the cellar, and provide those with patience great enjoyment well into the next decade.

VARIETY: 55% Grenache, 28% Shiraz, 17% Mataro

VINEYARDS: Multiple vineyards ranging from 40 to 150 year old vines.

SUB-REGIONS: Gomersal, Lyndoch, Greenock, Moppa, Marananga, Seppeltsfield, Ebenezer

HARVEST: March 7^th to April 13^th 2016

MATURATION: 20 months maturation on fine yeast lees in large 4500L French oak foudre vats. Natural malolactic conversion occurred during time in barrel.

ANALYSIS: Alc/Vol 15%, pH 3.56, Acidity 5.86g/L

COLOUR: Redcurrant with deep brick red hues.

AROMA: Violet, star anise and spice.

PALATE: Medium bodied, firm tannins that show persistence and body. Oak is very integrated with fruit weight and length.

CELLAR: 5 to 10 years.

The Factor 2016

The Factor pays homage to the Barossa’s unique point of difference – great old Shiraz vineyards and the growers who painstakingly tend and nurture them each year. The reputation of the Barossa as the pre-eminent red wine growing region of Australia rests firmly on wines such as this.

From James Suckling: “Dark fruit with iodine, muscle shell and hints of coal on the palate. Full-bodied, very tight and structured with steely tannins that give incredible length and poise. The greatest Factor I have ever tasted. Driven and brilliant.”

VINTAGE

Despite a dry winter during 2015, rains in January and March 2016, freshened the older vines and provided long, slow ripening periods in between, which led to a stand-out vintage with high quality fruit.

TASTING

The Factor is predominantly from the Gomersal and Marananga sub-regions of the Barossa, providing dense texture and richness to the palate with subtle notes of olive tapenade, saddle leather and minerals. Ripe aromas of plum and wild blackberries, olive, pepper and spice are all supported by a dark core of espresso roast, ripe blackberries and saltbush. Brooding and densely packed, this lavish wine has ample generosity to cellar for many years, where it will slowly unravel its beguiling riches.

VARIETY: 100% Shiraz

VINEYARDS: 3 vineyards, assemblage

SUB-REGIONS: Gomersal, Krondorf, Marananga

HARVEST: February 25^th – March 29^th 2016

MATURATION: 24 months in a combination of new (40%), second fill and seasoned French oak barriques.

ANALYSIS: Alc/Vol 15% pH 3.71 Acidity 6.14g/L

COLOR: Deep Garnet, hues of purple.

AROMA: Satsuma plum and wild blackberries, olive, cocoa, licorice and mocha.

PALATE: full bodied, round and plush mid-palate with fruity tannins and firm finish.

CELLAR: 15 to 20 years.