Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2022

Region and Vineyards

This wine hails from the Barossa Valley, an esteemed wine region in South Australia known for its warm climate and diverse soil types, ideal for cultivating robust and flavorful grapes. The grapes for Cuvée Juveniles are sourced from multiple vineyards across Lyndoch, Gomersal, Seppeltsfield, Marananga, and Greenock. These vineyards include some vines that are up to 150 years old, contributing to the wine's complexity and depth.

Winemaking

Cuvée Juveniles is a blend of 45% Grenache, 36% Mataro (Mourvèdre), 17% Carignan, and 2% Counoise. This vintage was marked by above-average winter rains, which replenished the soils after a dry autumn, leading to healthy vines and full canopies. A mild summer with slow ripening conditions resulted in wines with high natural acidity, rich colors, and fine tannins.

The wine was matured in a combination of stainless steel and large format French oak foudre, preserving the fresh fruit characteristics while adding subtle oak influences. The final wine has an alcohol content of 15%, with a pH of 3.57 and an acidity of 5.40g/L​​.

Did you know?

Cuvée Juveniles was created as a tribute to the Côtes du Rhône wines and designed to be a versatile, food-friendly wine that captures the essence of both Rhone and Barossa varietals.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Crimson and bright cherry hues.
• Aroma: Red cherry, pomegranate, floral and spicy notes balanced with Chinese five spice and meaty nuances.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a lithe and plush mouthfeel. The palate is characterized by juicy red fruit flavors, such as wild cherry, pomegranate, and red currant, complemented by savory notes from the Counoise and Carignan. The wine has a long acidity and slightly firmer tannin structure than previous vintages, making it both approachable and suitable for aging.

Wine Pairing Ideas

Cuvée Juveniles pairs wonderfully with a variety of cuisines. Its medium body and complex flavors complement spicy Asian or Mexican dishes.

Try serving it slightly chilled, at or below 14 degrees Celsius, to enhance its freshness and acidity.

This wine can be enjoyed upon release but will also reward those who choose to cellar it for up to seven years.

History of Torbreck Estate

Torbreck Vintners was founded in 1994 by David Powell, a former lumberjack, who discovered neglected old-vine Shiraz vineyards in the Barossa Valley. Inspired to create a winery, Powell began by share-farming, a system where he managed the vineyards in exchange for a share of the grape yield. This allowed him to source high-quality fruit from some of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in the region.

Torbreck's first wine, RunRig, was produced in 1995 from just three tonnes of Shiraz and Viognier grapes. The winery quickly gained international acclaim, particularly following a highly favorable review in The Wine Advocate​​​​.

In 2008, Torbreck completed a state-of-the-art winery and bottling facility, which allowed for complete control over the vinification process.

The estate changed ownership in 2013 when David Powell left, and Peter Kight, the current owner, continues to uphold the winery's high standards​​.

Region and Vineyards

Torbreck is situated in the Barossa Valley, a region renowned for its warm Mediterranean climate and diverse soil types, ideal for producing robust and complex red wines. The Barossa Valley, protected by the Mount Lofty Ranges, is known for its hot, sunny days and cooler nights, which are perfect for growing Shiraz. The valley's soils range from clay to sandy loam and red-brown earth, contributing to the complexity and intensity of the wines produced.

The estate also sources grapes from the Eden Valley, a cooler region with higher altitudes, contributing to the aromatic and structured nature of some of its wines. Eden Valley is known for its well-drained granite and sandy loam soils, producing Shiraz that is more elegant and has a characteristic minerality.

These regions allow Torbreck to create wines with a balance of elegance and intensity​.

Wine Range

Torbreck offers a diverse range of wines, focusing primarily on Rhone varieties such as Shiraz, Grenache, and Mataro. Their flagship wines include:

• The Laird: A single-vineyard Shiraz, one of the most expensive wines in Australia, known for its power and complexity.
• RunRig: A blend of Shiraz and Viognier, often compared to the wines of Côte Rôtie, known for its rich, aromatic profile.
• Descendant: A Shiraz/Viognier blend sourced from vines planted with cuttings from the RunRig vineyards.
• The Factor: Made from old-vine Shiraz, aged in French oak, known for its deep, brooding character.
• The Steading: A blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro, inspired by Châteauneuf-du-Pape​​​​.

Did you know?

Torbreck’s name is derived from a forest near Inverness, Scotland, reflecting founder David Powell’s heritage. This influence extends to the naming of their wines, such as The Laird and The Steading, which pay homage to Scottish traditions and landscapes​​​​.