Torbreck Hillside Vineyard Grenache 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Torbreck Hillside Vineyard Grenache 2021 hails from the Hillside Vineyard, situated just north of the village of Lyndoch in the southern Barossa Valley. This is Torbreck’s most southerly estate-owned site, and one of its most expressive. The vineyard lies on gentle, westerly facing high slopes, where the microclimate is slightly cooler than the Barossa average, allowing for slow ripening and exceptional flavour development.

Planted in 1949, the dry-grown bush vines yield intensely concentrated Grenache fruit. The soils are composed of dark red clay interspersed with shale, quartzite, and ironstone, a complex matrix that encourages small berries, low yields, and depth of character. The 2021 growing season was characterised by a cool, even summer and strong vine health thanks to solid rainfall in the preceding winter and spring. These conditions contributed to a long, flavour-driven ripening window—resulting in fruit with vibrant aromatics, deep colour, and outstanding natural balance.

Winemaking

This 100% Grenache wine is made from multiple hand picks, carried out between 13–23 March 2021, allowing optimal ripeness across micro-parcels. The vinification included partial whole-bunch fermentation, enhancing aromatic lift, tannin finesse, and structural integrity—classic techniques that echo traditional Rhône-style Grenache.

Maturation took place over 18 months in a 2,400 L second-fill French oak foudre (from Boutes cooperage), which softens and integrates the fruit without overshadowing it. This large-format vessel helps retain fruit purity while adding subtle savoury depth and texture. The result is a Grenache of precision, plushness, and poise, designed for both early enjoyment and graceful ageing.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Crimson core with a plum-red hue.
• Aroma: Perfumed lift of red currant, red cherry, and white plum, interwoven with earth, clove, and savoury hints of dried herbs and old-world charm.
• Palate: Medium-bodied and textural, with a long, finely etched acid spine. Tannins are tight, long, and seamlessly integrated, supporting a palate rich in vibrant red fruits and savoury nuance.

Did you know?

Torbreck is one of the Barossa Valley's most acclaimed producers of Rhône varietals, and this Hillside Vineyard Grenache is one of its rarest single-site expressions—produced in limited quantities and only in vintages where old-vine Grenache can truly shine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Chargrilled lamb chops with rosemary – a classic match that highlights the wine's savoury spice and red fruit.
• Duck breast with cherry glaze – complements the plush texture and acidity.
• Roasted eggplant with harissa and yoghurt – brings out the wine’s earthy, herbal side.
• Grilled chorizo with romesco – the spice and smokiness echo the clove and savoury notes in the wine.

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​​​​.