Torbreck The Laird 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Gnadenfrei Vineyard, planted in 1958, is located in the highly regarded Marananga subregion of the Barossa Valley. This five-acre vineyard rests on south-facing slopes, benefiting from the shelter of nearby ridges, and enjoys a dry, warm Mediterranean climate perfect for ripening Shiraz to perfection.

The soils here are a mix of dark clay loam and friable red clay, known for their ability to retain moisture while promoting excellent drainage. These conditions, coupled with dry farming practices, yield low-yielding, intensely concentrated Shiraz berries. The 2018 vintage was marked by above-average winter rainfall, followed by a dry growing season that enhanced the quality of the fruit, resulting in a vintage of exceptional richness and balance.

Winemaking

The grapes for The Laird 2018 are hand-harvested from the Gnadenfrei Vineyard in several passes to ensure peak ripeness and optimal balance. The fruit undergoes traditional open fermentation with gentle hand plunging to extract color and flavor, preserving the wine’s elegance and structure.

Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 36 months in Dominique Laurent’s bespoke French oak barriques, famously known as “Magic Casks”, which impart nuanced aromas and integrate seamlessly with the wine’s natural complexity. The result is a full-bodied Shiraz of unparalleled refinement and longevity, with an alcohol level of 15.5%.

Tasting Notes

• Color: A deep crimson core with rich aubergine hues, reflecting its intense concentration.
• Aroma: Aromas of blackberry, mulberry, and black cherry, intertwined with savory hints of tobacco leaf, bay leaf, and licorice, alongside a touch of vanilla and cinnamon from the oak.
• Palate: Full-bodied and luxuriously textured, with layers of plush dark fruit, fine-grained tannins, and a complex medley of spice, herbaceous, and mineral notes. The finish is exceptionally long, reflecting the wine’s incredible structure and depth.

Did You Know?

The name “The Laird” is derived from a Scottish term meaning “Lord of the Manor”, symbolizing the wine’s noble stature. The Gnadenfrei Vineyard, whose name translates to "Grace," has been a cornerstone of Barossa Valley’s winemaking heritage since its planting over six decades ago.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Prime rib with a red wine reduction: The wine’s bold tannins and rich fruit complement the meat’s savory and tender profile.
• Braised lamb shanks with rosemary and thyme: The earthy, herbaceous flavors of the dish harmonize beautifully with the wine’s complexity.
• Roasted duck breast with plum sauce: The wine’s dark fruit and spice notes enhance the richness of the duck and the sweetness of the sauce.
• Aged Parmesan or Gouda: The intense flavors and umami of these cheeses pair perfectly with the wine’s structure and depth.

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​​​​.