Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2022 hails from the Barossa Valley, a region renowned for its sun-drenched landscapes and storied viticultural heritage. The fruit is sourced from younger vineyard sites in subregions including Marananga, Greenock, Seppeltsfield, Gomersal, Moppa, Lyndoch, and Ebenezer. These areas bring together a tapestry of microclimates and soil compositions, contributing distinct aromatic profiles and structural nuances to the final blend.

Unlike the gnarled centenarian vines featured in Torbreck's flagship cuvées, the Woodcutter's showcases the promise of newer plantings, managed with the same precision and reverence. The 2022 growing season was marked by plentiful winter rainfall replenishing water tables after a dry autumn. A mild summer followed, allowing for an extended ripening period. The result: berries of vibrant acidity, dense colour, and nuanced tannin ripeness, with yields slightly reduced by a spring hailstorm—contributing to the wine's concentration and textural elegance.

Winemaking

Made entirely from Shiraz, the 2022 Woodcutter's is a focused representation of varietal purity and regional charm. Fruit was harvested between mid-March and early May, undergoing meticulous vinification designed to preserve and elevate its expressive aromatics and supple texture.

Aged for 12 months in well-seasoned French oak hogsheads and foudres, the wine benefits from subtle oxidative integration without overt oak influence. This choice emphasizes fruit vibrancy and structure, while allowing the wine to soften and develop complexity. The use of large-format vessels ensures tannin management is precise, maintaining the elegance that is becoming a hallmark of this cuvée.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep crimson with brilliant violet edges.
• Aroma: An exuberant mix of dark plum, black cherry, wild blackberry, mulberry, and cassis, with underlying notes of sandalwood, wild thyme, and a hint of rosemary.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, this Shiraz is layered with succulent dark fruits and framed by soft, caressing tannins. Its texture is voluptuous yet controlled, with a lingering finish marked by forest floor nuances and a touch of sweet spice.

Did you know?

The name "Woodcutter's Shiraz" is a homage to the early days of winemaker David Powell, who worked as a lumberjack in the Torbreck forest in Scotland—an experience that inspired not just the estate's name but its ethos of craftsmanship and respect for nature.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder: The wine's plush texture and dark fruit core beautifully complement the richness and umami of lamb.
• Chargrilled ribeye steak: Its tannin structure and herbal undertones enhance grilled meats, especially with rosemary or peppercorn crusts.
• Mushroom risotto: The earthy tones in the wine pair harmoniously with wild mushrooms and creamy textures.
• Smoked brisket: A perfect match for the wine's smoky sandalwood and spice profile.

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​​​​.