Torbreck is one of Barossa’s most prolific producers, focusing on Rhône-style wines and old vines.
Owner Pete Kight has made significant investments, and the superstar team of winemaker Ian Hongell and viticulturist Nigel Blieschke has meant the wines are on an upswing of late.
The star in this lineup is RunRig, made from Shiraz from six different vineyards and a small percentage of Viognier to add some aromatic lift. The Descendant is a blend of co-fermented Shiraz and Viognier; the result is a slightly less dense but much more effusive expression. The Factor features Shiraz from three different vineyards.
- MaryAnn Worobiec
2016 RunRig
96 points
Restrained and elegant, opening up with ripe black and red fruit flavors. Touches of black licorice and black walnut liqueur plump up the sense of concentration. The tannins are dense but polished, never getting in the way of the harmony. Elements of clove and tobacco emerge on the finish. Shiraz and Viognier. Drink now through 2039.—M.W.
2016 Descendant
95 points
Distinctive and effusive, brimming with violet, white pepper, chai tea and peppermint oil notes, set on a dense frame, with thick tannins. Details of dark chocolate–covered coffee bean, cigar box and minerality gain momentum on the long, expressive finish. Shiraz and Viognier. Drink now through 2034.—M.W.
2017 Hillside Vineyard Grenache
94 points
Succulent spiced plum, blueberry and huckleberry flavors are both elegant and powerful, with plenty of concentration and oomph, but set against a silky frame. Details of sage, green tea and violets linger effortlessly on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2035.—M.W.
2016 The Factor
94 points
Expressive and detailed, with dark chocolate, Earl Grey tea and sandalwood accents to the core of plum compote and blackberry fruit. The flavors and tannins are dense and compact, adding an appealing toothsome quality and showing promise for the cellar. Drink now through 2040.—M.W.
2017 The Steading
93 points
A focused laser beam of pure plum and apricot fruit flavors are succulent and fleshy, giving way to details of gunpowder tea, violets and palo santo. Tannins are fine grained and polished, showing their presence on the long finish. Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. Drink now through 2035.—M.W.
2017 The Struie
93 points
Plush, with concentrated juicy huckleberry and blackberry flavors at the core and a supple body backed up by velvety tannins. White pepper, espresso and mahogany details combine with an air of elegance to persist on the finish. Drink now through 2034.—M.W.