Torbreck Barossa The Struie 2022
The name Struie originates from a mountain in the rugged
highlands of north-east Scotland, which overlooks Torbreck forest
near Inverness. The view from the Struie down across the
Dornoch Firth is as inspiring as that of the Valley floor from the
Barossa Ranges.
While the Eden Valley region is most associated with the
white wine variety, Riesling, it also produces elegant, tautly
structured Shiraz which is highly prized by winemakers.
This Torbreck Shiraz cuvée is a skilful blend of fruit from a single
vineyard Eden Valley Shiraz and old vine Shiraz from the Barossa
Valley’s Western Ranges – a marriage of elegance and intensity.
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.
Lifted aromas of Blueberry, mulberry, blackberry and African violet
leap from the glass and meld effortlessly with graphite,
sandalwood and dark cocoa chocolate. On first sip the palate is
welcoming and plush with black and blue fruits and soft round
tannins. The fruit and acid intermingle nicely across the textured
mouthfeel without any harshness or bitterness. A true pleasure
that will reward for twenty years but probably best in the first ten.
