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The UK's No.1 Australian Wine Specialist     Torbreck Pre-Arrival OfferUK ETA, January 2024Matthew Jukes “In late February, I was fortunate to be among the first people in the world to taste the new vintage releases from Torbreck, the legendary Barossa Valley titan. Over the course of a couple of hours, my palate was taken on a journey that was entirely new for me, and it ended at a destination that I had never encountered before. This tasting resulted in the only time in my life when I found three wines that I felt could not be improved – i.e. three perfect 20/20s from one portfolio. It has been nearly a decade since winemaker Ian Hongell crossed the Seppeltsfield Road from the Peter Lehmann Winery to Torbreck. A sleeping giant that had suffered from lack of direction, the moment he arrived, it felt that this once-famous brand, with its glittering array of ostentatious 100-point scores, might stand a chance of registering interest again from collectors and critics alike. He started in the vineyards – precious plots of extraordinary dirt scattered around the Valleys. As the years passed, a newfound viticultural precision coupled with artisanal wine-shaping dynamism infiltrated the core of every wine in the collection. Torbreck is my 100 Best Australian Wines Winery of the Year 2022/23, and I made this declaration four months before I tasted the following portfolio of imminent releases. These are wines that fans of any and every wine style on earth must taste. If you are an existing Torbreck acolyte, you will be amazed at this continuing legend, refining and reinventing its ever-changing story. If you think that Barossa whites and reds might not be your sort of ‘thing’, think again. There are flavour and texture triggers found in these wines that are deeply embedded in the greatest Rhônes, Burgundies, Bordeaux, and Piemonte creations, and yet these wines have definition and precision that make them irresistibly compelling and genuinely unique.”   2020 Torbreck The Descendant“I have waited a long time for this wine to move from ‘high-gold’ level to perfection and this graduation happened in one fell swoop in 2020.”  20/20 Points - Matthew Jukes “Gobsmacking. I have long adored this wine and have often sung its praises from the rooftops. However, I never thought it could capture my senses in the way it does in 2020. A raptor on nose and palate, locking on without a moment’s hesitation, there is an insane iodine and black fruit perfume here that conjures up images of the most dementedly talented parfumier going to work with the rarest musks and scents imaginable. The sense of heady Balkan tobacco alone is hypnotic. I have waited a long time for this wine to move from ‘high-gold’ level to perfection and this graduation happened in one fell swoop in 2020. So few Syrahs/Shirazes on the planet can do what this wine does, both from an aromatic standpoint and from a sheer hedonistic and seductive stance. This is an incredible creation, and I am thrilled to inform you that it can be approached and enjoyed next year such is the aromatic bliss and ambassadorial fruit welcome that 2020 The Descendant offers the drinker.” Also available - duty paid - by the bottle 18 bottles available ETA into the UK - January 2024  2021 Torbreck The Struie“I can see it standing shoulder to shoulder with its more fêted siblings for years to come.”  19+/20 Points - Matthew Jukes “My mind went into orbit when I tasted this wine. Tasting like a magical concoction of 4-parts Serralunga d’Alba and 1-part Bonnes-Mares (Morey-side), this wine’s 43% Eden Valley Shiraz component makes it the most energetic, challenging, and utterly mesmerising vintage I can remember. I have always been a Struie fan, but it often sits down in the pack alongside some of the more powerful Shirazes, so one has to look deep into the portfolio to truly appreciate its charms. In 2021, while it is not a bigger wine, it is undoubtedly more intense and aeons longer on the finish, so I can see it standing shoulder to shoulder with its more fêted siblings for years to come.” 2022 Torbreck The Steading Blanc"Reminds me of great Southern Rhône whites from a bygone era but with more flair, professionalism, fruit clarity and drinkability."  18.5/20 Points – Matthew Jukes “If Juveniles Blanc is a young ‘Luke’, this wine is a ‘Jedi Master’. Focussing on Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier, this is a spellbinding white wine and the finest white to date from this winery. With incredible poise and a downright sexy deportment, The Steading Blanc shows mind-blowing refinement and definition. At a seventh of the price of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Beaucastel Blanc and a full 1% lower in alcohol, this wine redefines what is possible from the timeless RMV blend. Yet, with remorseless climate creep impacting the Rhône more than anywhere I can think of, The Steading Blanc reminds me of great Southern Rhône whites from a bygone era but with more flair, professionalism, fruit clarity and drinkability.” 15 cases (6x75cl) £148.50 per case under-bond Also available - duty paid - by the bottle £34.50 per bottle ETA into the UK - January 2024 |
