Torbreck
The deep red clay soils in this vineyard produce fruit which is very savory, textured and rich - somewhat like a Barossa Valley Cornas in style. The similarities end there though, as co-fermentation with Viognier gives it an extra dimension - a satin-like texture and a glorious perfume.
Wine Advocate
The 2005 Descendant is composed of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier which are co-fermented. The fruit is sourced from a relatively young vineyard in Marananga planted with 11-year-old cuttings from the Run Rig vineyards and aged for 18 months in 2.5-year-old French barrels previously used for Run Rig. Opaque purple, with glass-coating glycerin, it offers up a complex array of lavender, violets, blueberry, blackberry, and fresh road tar. Full-bodied, on the palate the wine has great concentration with a noticeable uplift from the Viognier, gobs of spicy black fruits, opulence, and well-concealed tannins which will carry this wine for 10-15 years of further evolution. Drink it through 2030.
Score: 97.
—Jay Miller,
October
2007.
Wine Enthusiast
Unlike most of the Torbreck wines, this is single-vineyard Shiraz, cofermented with a small proportion of Viognier, then aged in barrels previously used for RunRig. Hints of apricot and bacon fat impart beautiful nuance to the blackberry fruit. This is slightly firmer than Torbreck’s other reds, worth cellaring for five years or so, then drinking over the next 15.
Score: 95.
—Joe Czerwinski,
November
01,
2007.
Wine Spectator
Velvety, with floral and apricot notes adding their presence to the blackberry fruit, which echoes nicely on the finish. Shiraz and Viognier. Drink now through 2012.
Score: 90.
—Harvey Steiman,
September
30,
2007.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
