Torbreck Run Rig 2020

Region and Vineyards

The 2020 RunRig is sourced from six distinct sites across the Barossa Valley: Lyndoch, Rowland Flat, Moppa, Ebenezer, Light Pass, and Greenock. Each of these sub-regions contributes a unique nuance - from plush, ripe fruit to spicy intensity and mineral drive. Most of these vineyards are home to dry-farmed, old-vine Shiraz, some dating back to the 1850s, grown on their own roots — a legacy preserved by South Australia’s phylloxera-free status.

The growing season was defined by climatic hardship. Strong winds during flowering reduced yields early in the cycle, while a dry winter and spring, followed by a torrid December and January, further stressed the vines. However, old, deeply rooted vineyards proved resilient, producing small but deeply concentrated berries. These harsh conditions forged a wine of formidable color, texture, and purity, anchored in the identity of its place.

Winemaking

Composed of 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier, RunRig pays homage to the co-fermented wines of Côte-Rôtie, while interpreting them through a distinctly Barossa lens. The fruit was picked between 10th March and 3rd April 2020, with the Viognier integrated to elevate the aromatic complexity and add mid-palate lift.

The wine was matured for 30 months in French oak barriques, of which 50% were new, the remainder being second and third fill. It underwent natural malolactic fermentation in barrel, followed by an extended period on fine lees, enhancing the wine’s texture and aromatic harmony. With 15.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.60, and acidity of 6.38 g/L, the balance between richness and vibrancy is a hallmark of its pedigree.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep aubergine core with a vibrant purple rim.
• Aroma: An expressive bouquet of blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, intertwined with Turkish delight, star anise, cardamom, Earl Grey tea, and subtle oak tones of vanilla pod and spice.
• Palate: Full-bodied and intensely structured, the wine unfolds in layers of dark fruit, sweet spice, and earthy complexity. Tannins are dense yet finely knit, delivering a luxurious mouthfeel and long, poised finish.

Did you know?

The name RunRig refers to a traditional Scottish system of land sharing among Highland clans - a symbol of unity and communal resilience. True to this spirit, RunRig is a blend of six separate vineyards, each contributing to a layered and harmonious whole. The subtle inclusion of Viognier is a deliberate nod to the northern Rhône, but in Barossa’s bold voice.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef cheeks braised in red wine: A dish with deep umami and gelatinous richness that resonates with the wine’s density and tannic structure.
• Duck breast with cherry and star anise glaze: Elevates the RunRig’s spice and dark fruit character while matching its silkiness.
• Venison loin with forest mushrooms and juniper: A pairing that enhances the wine’s earthy and aromatic facets.
• Lamb shoulder with Middle Eastern spices: The wine’s robust profile and subtle floral lift balance exotic spice and slow-cooked richness.

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​​​​.