Torbreck The Struie 2021

Torbreck The Struie 2021

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Torbreck
The Struie 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : Barossa Valley
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 15°
  • Grappes : 100% Syrah

Torbreck The Struie is an expressive and complex Shiraz, blending fruit from the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. It showcases the harmonious interplay between these two prestigious regions, delivering a wine of both elegance and intensity.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 96 2021
JS James Suckling 95 2021
WS Wine Spectator 94 2021
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 93 2021
WE Wine Enthusiast 92 2021
W&S Wines & Spirits 90 2017
JH James Halliday 97 2016
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Torbreck The Struie sources its grapes from two distinct regions: the Barossa Valley and the Eden Valley.

The Barossa Valley, located in South Australia, is renowned for its rich, full-bodied Shiraz wines. The region's warm climate and diverse soil types, including clay, sandy loam, and red-brown earth, contribute to the bold flavors and dense textures typical of Barossa Valley Shiraz.

In contrast, the Eden Valley, also in South Australia, is known for its cooler climate due to its higher altitude, which ranges from 380 to 600 meters above sea level. This cooler climate, coupled with well-drained granite and sandy loam soils, produces Shiraz that is more aromatic and structured, with a characteristic elegance and minerality. The vineyards for The Struie have an average vine age of 50 years, ensuring concentrated and complex fruit​​​​.

Winemaking

Torbreck The Struie is made from 100% Shiraz grapes, with 57% sourced from the Barossa Valley and 43% from the Eden Valley. This vintage experienced a mild growing season with cool, even temperatures and beneficial winter and spring rains, promoting a long flavor development cycle.

The wine underwent 18 months of aging in French oak, with 20% new oak used to add subtle complexity without overpowering the fruit. The wine has an alcohol content of 15%, a pH of 3.60, and an acidity of 5.84 g/L​​.

Did you know?

The name "Struie" originates from a mountain in the rugged highlands of northeast Scotland, which overlooks Torbreck forest near Inverness. The view from Struie down across the Dornoch Firth is said to be as inspiring as the view of the Barossa Valley from the Barossa Ranges​​.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep crimson hue with an almost black core.
  • Aroma: Lifted aromatics of blackberry, blueberry, milk chocolate, mineral, and graphite.
  • Palate: Plush, dense, and textural with a long finish. The tannins are soft yet concentrated, supporting the powerful structure and fruit weight. Notes of black and blue fruits such as blackberry and blueberry compote, milk chocolate, with graphite and mineral complexity. The oak is barely noticeable and will integrate further with time​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

Torbreck The Struie pairs exceptionally well with rich, savory dishes:

  • Steak Frites: The wine's robust structure and dark fruit flavors complement the savory and juicy steak, while its tannins cut through the richness of the fries.
  • Texas BBQ Ribs: The wine's plush fruit and subtle oak harmonize with the smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors of BBQ ribs.
  • Char Siu Pork: The soft tannins and complex fruit profile of The Struie balance the sweet and savory elements of Char Siu pork, enhancing the overall dining experience​​.

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​​​​.

Robert Parker (RP) : 96 Points (2021)
The 2021 The Struie is 100% Shiraz from both the Barossa (57%) and the Eden Valley (43%), and it matured for 18 months in French oak (20% new). The proportion of Eden Valley inclusion is usually around 25%, but in 2019, it was down to 10% due to the very low yields. So, this 2021 Struie is blue-fruited on the nose, with blueberry, licorice, black tea, crushed rocks, summer raspberry, layers of campfire embers and clove. It might be that in many of the tasting notes from 2021, that the wines outperform previous vintages. This is because the cool season was long, so great ripeness was achieved, without the stress or impact of heat events and disease. It's a lovely, lovely year that has made wines with freshness and intensity. The tannins through the finish here are savory and fine and black.

James Suckling (JS) : 95 Points (2021)
This is fantastic with blackberries, peaches, and limes with some spice character. Graphite. Medium body. Fine and polished tannins with a fantastic deep silk texture and a long finish. Really want to drink this.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 94 Points (2021)
There's an appealing sense of restraint and balance to this red, with plenty of powerful notes of huckleberry, boysenberry and blueberry at the core, backed by more refined details of dried lavender, white pepper, gingerbread and Earl Grey tea. Shavings of dark chocolate and accents of clove linger on the long finish, gaining momentum. Shiraz. Drink now through 2033.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 93 Points (2021)
This 2021 The Struie, a blend of Barossa and Eden Valley Shiraz, shows a delicious split personality. A rich bed of Barossa dark cherry and mulberry fruits is topped by finer Eden nuances in the form of crushed stones and dried sage. A focused palate follows the same vein, laced with tarry, spicy complexity delivered over a lengthy finish. Quite tightly coiled, this will be very attractive over the next decade and possibly longer. (AH) (3/2023)

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 92 Points (2021)
This inky Shiraz is ripe and plush with densely packed aromas of plum, black cherry, ground pepper and graphite with some toasty oak on display. It’s a teeth-staining wine that oozes ripe, luscious dark fruit, framed in savory tannins. Still young and quite primary, this should cellar nicely for at least a decade.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 90 Points (2017)
This is cool and concentrated up front, with juicy flavors of tart plums and blueberries, along with dark notes of licorice. Then it finishes heady and long, with some warmth in the end. For dark-meat game.

James Halliday (JH) : 97 Points (2016)
Old dry-grown shiraz, 86% Barossa Valley, 14% Eden Valley, matured for 20 months in French oak (12% new). Deep crimson; the wine is archetypal Torbreck style, sweeping away all before its flavours of blackberry, licorice, spice, tar and oak click in, the alcohol just part of the scenery, as are the ripe tannins. (8/2018)

Torbreck The Steading 2021
Torbreck The Steading 2021
Torbreck
The Steading 2021
RP
95
JS
94
WS
92
Torbreck The Steading is a benchmark Barossa Valley blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro, offering a symphony of ripe red fruits, savory spice, and earthy complexity.
45,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Torbreck Woodcutter
Torbreck Woodcutter's Semillon 2020
Torbreck
Woodcutter's Semillon 2020
VN
91
WS
90
RP
91
Fashioned with the savoury, food friendly dry whites of Southern France in mind, the Woodcutter's Semillon is the ideal tonic after a long day in the vineyard...
23,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Torbreck Woodcutter
Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2021
Torbreck
Woodcutter's Shiraz 2021
RP
91
JS
96
JH
92
Crafted from select up-and-coming vineyards, this Shiraz is known for its lush fruit character, soft tannins, and balanced structure, making it approachable while also promising excellent aging potential.
27,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2022
Torbreck Cuvee Juveniles 2022
Torbreck
Cuvee Juveniles 2022
RP
92
WS
92
WE
91
Torbreck Cuvée Juveniles is a vibrant and expressive wine inspired by the classic Côtes du Rhône bistro wines. It combines the traditional Barossa varieties with Rhone varietals, offering a unique blend that delights both Francophiles and Barossa fans.
25,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Torbreck Run Rig 2020
Torbreck Run Rig 2020
Torbreck
Run Rig 2020
WS
93
RP
97
WE
96
The RunRig has drawn comparison with the beautifully fragrant & tautly structured wines produced from the slopes of the Northern Rhône Valley's Appellation of Côte Rôtie.
261,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Torbreck Old Vines GSM 2019
Torbreck Old Vines GSM 2019
Torbreck
Old Vines GSM 2019
Celebrating the character of old vines, Torbreck Old Vines GSM delivers a medium-bodied red that balances red fruit intensity with refined tannins and a long, harmonious finish.
20,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Torbreck Descendant 2019
Torbreck Descendant 2019
Torbreck
Descendant 2019
139,00 €
Sold Out
Torbreck The Laird 2018
Torbreck The Laird 2018
Torbreck
The Laird 2018
RP
99
JS
97
Torbreck The Laird 2018 is an opulent and meticulously crafted single-vineyard Shiraz, sourced from the iconic Gnadenfrei Vineyard in Marananga, Barossa Valley. This wine epitomizes the grandeur of Australian Shiraz, showcasing the unique characteristics of this historic vineyard.
695,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Torbreck The Factor 2020
Torbreck The Factor 2020
Torbreck
The Factor 2020
129,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
49,50 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
Australia
96 James Suckling
Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2021
Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2021
Crafted from select up-and-coming vineyards, this Shiraz is known for its lush fruit character, soft tannins, and balanced structure, making it approachable while also promising excellent aging potential.
Woodcutter's Shiraz 2021
27,50 €
Australia
95+ Robert Parker
Two Hands Dave's Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
Two Hands Dave's Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
This single-vineyard Shiraz, sourced from a 51-year-old vineyard, balances spicy complexity and mineral freshness, showcasing the unique terroir of its elevated site.
Dave's Block Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
71,90 €
Australia
92 Robert Parker
Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2020
Penfolds Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2020
Created in 1962, Penfolds Bin 128 is a regional wine that reflects the unique climate and growing conditions of South Australia’s Coonawarra district and the relatively…
Bin 128 Coonawarra Shiraz 2020
56,00 €
Austria
96 James Suckling
Brundlmayer Riesling Zobinger Heiligenstein Lyra 2019
Brundlmayer Riesling Zobinger Heiligenstein Lyra 2019
Bründlmayer Riesling Zöbinger Heiligenstein Lyra is a stunning single-vineyard Riesling, combining purity, complexity, and vibrant aromatic precision, sourced from the iconic Heiligenstein vineyard.
Riesling Zobinger Heiligenstein Lyra 2019
57,90 €
USA
100 James Suckling
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2021
Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2021
A benchmark of California Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Monte Bello displays an intricate balance of rich concentration, elegance, and minerality, ensuring exceptional aging potential for the next 20 to 25 years.
Monte Bello 2021
315,00 €
Australia
95 Robert Parker
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Clare Valley Shiraz 2018
Jim Barry The McRae Wood Clare Valley Shiraz 2018
This Shiraz honors the vision of pioneer Clare Valley winemaker Jim Barry. In 1964, Jim purchased 70 acres of prime land from Duncan McRae Wood and planted his first vineyard with Shiraz. It was an inspired choice of both grape variety and location.
The McRae Wood Clare Valley Shiraz 2018
48,90 €