96 / 100 Robert Parker Primarily Shiraz with a tiny dollop of Viognier, the blockbuster 2003 Descendant spent 18 months in used French oak (barrels that were previously used for Torbreck’s flagship cuvee, Run Rig). A spectacular perfume of flowers, blackberries, cassis, licorice, and honeysuckle is followed by an unctuously textured, full-bodied red displaying a seamless integration of wood, tannin, acidity, and alcohol. With elegance, power, richness, and just about everything one could want in a full-throttle, beautifully balanced dry red wine, it will drink well for 12-15 years.
David Powell, unquestionably one of the world’s finest wine producers, has an uncanny ability to discover old vine Barossa vineyards, and then secure long term contracts for their fruit. It is amazing that such high quality sources have not already been plucked by Australia’s giant wine corporations. Torbreck’s wines continue to get better and better, combining the old vine ripe fruit of Barossa with a European sensitivity to elegance and balance. The finest wines in this portfolio are pricy, but David Powell delivers some remarkable reds and whites at prices that are more than fair for the quality in the bottle.
161, The Wine Advocate
94 / 100 Wine Spectator Finely honed, focused and brilliant in flavor, with that distinct twang of fruity spice from Viognier adding a welcome lift to the dark berry, sloe plum and dried apricot flavors that linger expressively on the long finish. Shiraz and Viognier. Best from 2006 through 2015. 800 cases made. http://www.winespectator.com/wine/detail/source/search/not..
16.5 / 20 Jancis Robinson Torbreck's only single-vineyard wine comes from the 8 and 10 year-old vines planted for the owner's sons. Shiraz was fashionably co-fermented with 8% Viognier and then aged for 18 months in ex Rung Rig barrels.
For the moment this is very disjointed with its extremely sweet start and extremely tough finish. It may get there eventually…? http://www.jancisrobinson.com/tastings/search?keywords=Tor..
