Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2021

Region and Vineyards

This Shiraz is sourced from various renowned sites across Marananga, Greenock, Seppeltsfield, Gomersal, Moppa, Lyndoch, and Ebenezer in the Barossa Valley, a region celebrated for producing some of the world’s finest Shiraz. The 2021 growing season in Barossa was marked by a mild summer with consistently cool temperatures, which, combined with ample winter and spring rains in 2020, resulted in well-developed canopies and perfectly ripened grapes. This balanced growing season allowed for extended flavor development in the vineyard, creating wines with lifted aromatics, dense color, and exceptional balance.

Unlike Torbreck’s older-vine cuvées, Woodcutter’s Shiraz celebrates the vibrancy of younger vines, with a focus on fruit purity and aromatic intensity. The diverse microclimates across these Barossa subregions contribute to the wine’s complexity, while the fertile soils support the growth of fruit with a full-bodied structure and bright acidity.

Winemaking

The Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2021 is crafted entirely from 100% Shiraz, carefully harvested between February 25 and April 18, 2021. The wine is aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak hogsheads and foudres, a technique that softens the tannins without overwhelming the fresh fruit character. This gentle oak treatment allows the vibrant flavors of Shiraz to shine, adding layers of spice and texture that enhance the wine’s complexity.

This Shiraz is characterized by Torbreck’s meticulous viticultural and winemaking practices, which include minimal intervention to preserve the natural character of the fruit. The result is a medium to full-bodied wine with a supple mouthfeel and well-integrated tannins, designed to be enjoyed in its youth or cellared for up to 10 years.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Crimson with red plum hues.
• Aroma: A fragrant bouquet of dark plum, blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, layered with spice notes of star anise, cardamom, and a hint of Chinese five spice.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with caressing tannins and a smooth texture. The palate offers lifted flavors of red and black fruits, including cherry, raspberry coulis, and blueberry, balanced by a spicy complexity and a lasting finish.

Did You Know?

The Woodcutter’s Shiraz is named as a tribute to the early career of Torbreck founder David Powell, who once worked as a lumberjack. Despite being crafted from younger vines, this Shiraz benefits from the same careful vineyard management and winemaking techniques as Torbreck’s more established offerings, bringing premium quality to an accessible price point.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Barbecue ribs with smoky barbecue sauce: The wine’s rich fruit and spice notes complement the savory flavors of barbecue.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and thyme: Pairs well with the wine’s dark fruit and herbal undertones.
• Mushroom risotto with truffle oil: Highlights the wine’s earthy and spicy components.
• Charcuterie board with aged cheddar and smoked meats: The wine’s structure and lush fruit balance the richness of cured meats and cheeses.

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​​​​.