Torbreck The Steading 2021 3L

Torbreck is a winery on a mission to become one of the world's great wine brands. Since 1994, they have remained committed to creating exceptional Rhone-style red and white wines that reflect the very best vineyards in Australia's famous Barossa region. Provenance is everything to them, and they believe that the Barossa is the most exciting place to make wine in the world. With a European sense of tradition, Torbreck pays tribute to the vineyards with minimal intervention, creating wines of richness, structure and length that age gracefully. The multi-generational growers, whose descendants arrived here nearly two centuries ago, are the backbone of Torbreck's winemaking aspirations. They work in partnership with the people of the Barossa who grow their fruit, always aiming to get the very best out of their vineyard sites. At Torbreck, they constantly seek to understand the difference between all of these special places in the Barossa and how this combination of soil, climate and farming experience is reflected in unique grape flavors. They are simply custodians, enhancing the innate expressiveness of the wines and enabling them to reveal over time their individual origins and personality. Torbreck is actually named after the forest near Inverness, Scotland where the winery's founder, David Powell worked as a lumberjack after completing university studies.

The winemaking style at Torbreck is meticulous and dedicated to producing exceptional wines. They use carefully selected 225-litre oak barriques for maturation, known as Dominique Laurent 'Magic Casks'. The oak is personally harvested from Forêt de Tronçais in Allier, and the staves are aged for 48 to 54 months at an exposed location for maximum seasoning. The staves are then hand-made into barrels and heated over three differing flames for several hours, resulting in a gentle toast due to the remarkable density of the wood. Torbreck's winemaking style reflects their commitment to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Barossa region.

Torbreck The Steading is an extraordinary wine that showcases the resilience and history of the Barossa Valley's vineyards. This exceptional blend is sourced from Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz vines that miraculously survived the devastating phylloxera outbreak in the 1880s. These vines, which also withstood the vine-pull scheme in the 1980s, have been carefully nurtured back to life, resulting in the creation of this remarkable wine. The story of Torbreck is intertwined with the protection of the old vine resource in the Barossa Valley. The serendipitous discovery of small remnants of ancient vines, some over a century old, has been a pivotal moment in preserving the region's historic cultivars. The Steading, more than any other wine, serves as a testament to the possibilities that arise from these treasured vineyards. The uniqueness of The Steading lies in its composition, derived from 45 different sources of fruit. Some grapes come from Torbreck's own vineyard estates, while others are obtained through partnerships with growers on a share-farming basis. Each parcel of grapes is vinified separately, allowing their individual characteristics to shine. Only after careful assessment of their virtues, are these precious grapes blended to create The Steading.

Torbreck The Steading pays homage to the rich Celtic heritage with its traditional naming conventions. Among the various wines produced by Torbreck, The Steading stands as a testament to the Celtic influence, drawing inspiration from the name traditionally used to describe a farm and its assortment of barns, stables, and outbuildings. The Celts, known for their deep connection to nature and their agricultural practices, have left an indelible mark on the regions they inhabited. Torbreck, in recognizing this influence, adopts the name The Steading for this particular wine, evoking a sense of the past and the rustic charm associated with a traditional farmstead. Just as a farmstead brings together different structures to create a harmonious whole, The Steading blends together the finest grapes sourced from various vineyards. It represents a collection of the best fruit, carefully selected from Torbreck's own vineyard estates and partner growers who share the vision and dedication to crafting exceptional wines.

The Torbreck The Steading is a remarkable wine that showcases the unique character and heritage of the Barossa Valley. Crafted from a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, this wine is a testament to the winery's commitment to preserving the old vine resource of the region. In the glass, this wine displays a deep, ruby red colour, inviting you to explore its complex aromas. On the nose, you'll find a captivating bouquet of ripe dark berries, such as blackberries and black cherries, intertwined with hints of dried herbs and warm spices. It is a harmonious blend of fruit and savoury elements. On the palate, The Steading delivers a rich and full-bodied experience. The generous flavors of black fruits continue to shine, accompanied by notes of plum and raspberry. The wine's velvety texture and well-integrated tannins provide a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel. There is a beautiful balance between fruit intensity and structural elegance. This wine is a true reflection of the Barossa Valley's terroir and winemaking expertise. The careful selection of fruit from various sources and the artful blending process result in a wine that is both expressive and refined. It is a testament to the winery's dedication to quality and the preservation of the region's viticulturally heritage. The Torbreck The Steading is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but it also has the potential to age gracefully. The larger format bottle allows for extended aging, allowing the wine to develop further complexity and depth over time.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Grenache 65%, Shiraz 20%, Mataro 15%
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 3L
ABV - 15%