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Torbreck Descendant 2004
Torbreck was established in 1994 by David & Christine Powell and is located on the western ridge of the Barossa Valley. It is named after a forest in the Highlands of Scotland. David Powell is a former lumberjack who picked up his oenological skills working in various vineyards. His vines are predominantly dry-grown (so no irrigation whatsoever), nearly all are 80-125 years old (which means incredible extraction/complexity), and are tended and harvested by hand (always the best way to go). The wines reach unbelievable levels of power, intensity, complexity and finesse, and have the high Parker scores to prove it. Many believe that old vine Syrah & Grenache from Barossa have much in common with classic Rhone Valley wines in taste & style. Pair the Descendant with grilled steak, rustic cassoulet or your finest beef stew, or as an after-dinner blockbuster with hard cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Dutch Parrano or aged Cheddars.
Wine Advocate
The 2004 Descendant, an old oak-aged blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier from a 12-year old vineyard, offers up notes of blackberries, ink, sweet truffles, and acacia flowers. There are 1,000 cases of this full-bodied, intense, rich blockbuster. It will drink well for 10-15 years.
Score: 98.
—Robert Parker,
October
2006.
Wine Spectator
Lithe, open-textured Shiraz-Viognier blend, offering pretty boysenberry flavors. Feels lighter than most Barossa Shiraz and shows the floral and peach accents of the Viognier. Not quite as seamless as previous vintages, but it has a personality of its own. Drink now through 2012. 1,000 cases made.
Score: 93.
—Harvey Steiman,
October
15,
2006.
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