2021 Torbreck "Descendant" Shiraz-Viognier Barossa Valley South Australia
96JH
96RP
95JS
95VN
$74.99
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Redwood City: 12 | Hollywood: 11 | San Francisco: 8 | Culver City: 6
96
James Halliday
Reviewed March 2024A Marananga-born blend of 94/6% shiraz/viognier from the strong 2021 vintage. I guess the Descendant could be considered the 'Baby Run Rig', though, in reality, this probably does the wine a disservice. It's lovely. High-toned and perfumed with some juicy stone fruit tones suffusing through the unctuous spiced plum fruits. Hints of blueberry pie, citrus blossom, veal jus, Chinese barbecue shop, soul-like spice. dried citrus rind, biltong and clove. Velvety in its flow with creamy oak, fine, kinetic tannins and a real textural swell as it slowly fades away. A cracking release. (DB)
Professional Reviews
96
Wine Advocate
The 2021 Descendant is often termed as the "Baby Runrig," which, as we all know, is a bit of a myopic way to view things, but it gets the point across. This is Shiraz fermented on Viognier skins (8% by weight, no liquid) and decidedly floral on the nose, with marmalade and orange peel, pink peppercorns and blood plums. The wine is dense and velvety, with loads of tannin; the Viognier, while contributing floral aromatics, textural silk and flow, also contributes tannin, and it is felt here. There is no new oak, which helps with the tannin expression and core of red and purple fruit. The signature Barossan red dirt and ironstone show through the finish. It's really good! Excellent wine. 15% alcohol, sealed under cork and wax. (EL)
95
James Suckling
A tad of viognier added to shiraz propagated as a massale selection. No new oak, but uses second-fill barrels that still impart subtle oak tannins. A broad style, full-bodied, palate-staining and forceful, yet there is admirable detail and a degree of finesse. Blueberry, camphor, licorice, tapenade and ironstone accents, lurking behind the pithy quince and apricot tones. From a single vineyard in Marananga that delivers the goods in a superlative vintage.
95
Vinous
The superbly pitched 2021 Descendant has it all. Significantly elegant, it displays a concentrated core of tar, granite and black chocolate lifted by finer, spicy, meaty, dried rosemary nuances. Great upfront power, well composed before opening to a fine and detailed style, punctuated by al-dente tannins. Delicious and will build handsomely in bottle. (AH)
Details
| Origin | Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia |
|---|---|
| Type/Varietal | Shiraz/Syrah |
| SKU | 2059149 |