Torbreck The Laird 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Barossa Valley, located in South Australia, is a premier wine region celebrated for its rich viticultural heritage and diverse terroir. This region's warm climate and ancient soils are particularly well-suited for cultivating Shiraz, producing wines with remarkable depth and complexity.

The grapes for The Laird are sourced from the Gnadenfrei vineyard in Marananga, a sub-region of the Barossa Valley. Planted in 1958, this vineyard is nestled between Seppeltsfield and Marananga, featuring unique soil structures and micro-climates. The low-yielding, old vines yield concentrated berries that contribute to the wine's extraordinary power and finesse.

Winemaking

Torbreck The Laird is crafted from 100% Shiraz. The meticulous winemaking process begins with handpicking and sorting the grapes to ensure only the finest quality fruit is used. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness during multiple picks between March 1st and 8th, 2019.

Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters, followed by aging for 36 months in new French oak barriques, specifically coopered by Dominique Laurent and known as "Magic Casks." This extended aging process in new oak imparts rich, complex flavors and a velvety texture to the wine​​.

Did you know?

In Scottish terminology, "The Laird" refers to the Lord of the Manor. This name reflects the wine's noble stature and the meticulous care taken in its production.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep crimson with an aubergine core.
• Aroma: Aromatic and lifted, with black fruits such as blackberry, satsuma plum, and black cherry, intertwined with notes of licorice, cinnamon, bay leaf, vanilla pod, and sarsaparilla root.
• Palate: Full-bodied, round, and plush with a multitude of complexities. Layers of silken texture are balanced by firm tannins and a long, luxurious finish​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

The Laird's robust and concentrated profile pairs wonderfully with hearty and flavorful dishes. Consider pairing it with prime cuts of beef, such as a beef Wellington or a slow-cooked lamb shank. Its complexity also complements rich, aged cheeses like vintage cheddar or a creamy blue cheese.

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​​​​.