Shiraz Wine

Descendant

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.

When Torbreck co-fermented this “descendant” Shiraz with Viognier, it was a first in the Barossa – now we have been joined my many others, a testament to the success of this Rhone blend.

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 18 months is in barrels that have previously been used for RunRig.

The deep red clay soils in this vineyard produces fruit that has a glorious perfume, a savoury flavour and a satin-like texture.

Current Vintage 2022

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 hailstorm across some parts of the Valley in late October resulted in lower averageyields.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.

Current Vintage 2021

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

Current Vintage 2020

Strong winds at flowering at the beginning of the growing season reduced berry and bunch count in many vineyards. The difficult seasonal conditions continued up to harvest- a dry winter and spring were followed by very hot and dry December and January. 2020 was a difficult season to manage for both grower and winemaker with yields much lower than anticipated. Older vineyards with deeper roots remained steadfast under these conditions and produced small volumes of deeply concentrated wines from the lower yields. Semillon and Viognier were the starring whites, with delicate flavours and aromas. While the yields have been small, the overall quality has created deeply coloured and textured wines that resonate their place of origin.

Current Vintage 2019

The growing season was defined by a continuously warm to hot summer with no effective rainfall, wind and hail at flowering, and followed with three major frosts - resulting in an earlier and much smaller harvest than average. These tough conditions produced smaller clusters of intensely dark berries with thick fleshy skins contrasted against brown mature stalks. Whilst yields were down, once these vineyards were fermenting in our cellar the concentration of colour, tannin and aroma of the 2019 vintage was revealed.

Current Vintage 2018

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 colour, structure and longevity.

Current Vintage 2017

After a cold and rainy winter in 2016, the Barossa had one of its wettest springs on record, replenishing sub-soil moisture and setting the vineyards up for a healthy summer. Mild conditions during veraison and light rains in January and February 2017, were followed by an extended warm, dry Indian summer, creating perfect ripening conditions through to April 2017. An outstanding vintage producing bright, aromatic whites and intense, well-structured reds.

Current Vintage 2016

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.

Current Vintage 2015

Above average rains in 2014 filled the soil profile. This was followed by a helpful deluge for dry grown vineyards in January 2015. Generally dry for the remainder of the vintage, warm days and cool nights created the perfect ripening conditions. The fruit had wonderful freshness, good acidity and perfect balance.

Current Vintage 2014

Current Vintage 2013

Current Vintage 2012

Current Vintage 2010

Current Vintage 2009

Current Vintage 2008

Current Vintage 2007

Current Vintage 2006

Current Vintage 2005

Current Vintage 2004

Current Vintage 2003

Current Vintage 2002

Current Vintage 2001

Current Vintage

$150.00

Size

–+

Descendant Vintages

2022 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Descendant 2022 vintage

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2021 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Descendant 2021 vintage

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2020 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Descendant 2020 vintage

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2019 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Descendant 2019 vintage

Download the winemaker's Tasting Notes

2018 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Descendant 2018 vintage

Download the winemaker's Tasting Notes

2017 - tasting notes and reviews

Get a detailed breakdown of the Descendant 2017 vintage: