Incredibly delicious! Inky and smooth with blackberry nose and perfectly balanced tannins. Stil vibrant and young. Jammy palate and long finish rounds out a wonderful experience. Can keep on going at least 5 more years!
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NobleRottersSydney - 2010 & prior (Fix, St James, Sydney): {cork, 14.5%} [DavidM] From this point in the dinner the wines took a distinct turn to the bigger. This has a big, developing nose mostly of blackberry jam, not over-oaked. On the palate it turns more to raisins and prunes, and the alcohol becomes obvious too. Medium weight, but the presence sits towards the tip of the tongue and the fading structure manifests most in the warm, patchy and only short/medium length finish. Not quite convincing.
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There is nothing to add to previous TN’s. It was an absolute bargain when purchased 16 years ago. So full of dark fruits, no hint of any tannins and the most amazing nose. It won’t get any better. Must be the right temperature or I’m sure it will taste “flabby”, we had it at 18c perfect for us. I will drink my last 2 bottles over the next 12 months.
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A massively fruit driven wine with a wow effect. Dark color, very sweet blackberry nose. Superextracted, superripe dark red fruit. A bit of marmalade. Silky finish. Dominant. Wouldn‘t keep it too long…
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Served cellar cool on a warm night. Lovely stuff, tons of black fruit, liquorice, spices, long finish. On this showing this will go another 5 years, contrary to my last note.
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Massively fruit driven. Can’t believe what a steal this was. I purchased a few cases of Torbreck from new releases upon returning from a trip to Australia where a host in Adelaide was able to arrange a visit and tasting NOT normally available. This is not meant to be a “premium” bottling but I just cannot think how it could be better for an Australian “Rhone” ! Long on the palet with Blackberries almost overwhelming In a style you would struggle to find from France. Whilst it is NOT my preferred style of “Rhone” there is no denying the winemaker’s talent IMO. Still got a few years ahead, I think. I was lucky enough to buy 24 bottles of The Sruie 2004 and started drinking them about 8 years ago when at first I found them too heavy. Over the last few years they are wonderful. My wife has just said ‘It will be a sad day when we have the last bottle !” 4 to go .
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A blend of Syrah fruit sourced from the cooler Eden Valley (+40 yo vines) and the hotter Barossa Valley (+60 yo vines). Aged for 18 months in seasoned French oak barrels. 14,5% alcohol, 6,43 g/l acidity and pH 3,69.
Dark, luminous and only very slightly translucent cherry marmalade color. Brooding, dark-toned and somewhat sweet nose with slightly evolved aromas of cooked dark fruits, some cigar tones, a little bit of raisiny fruit, light plum liqueur notes, a hint of peppered meat and a touch of tomato stalk. The wine is very full-bodied, chewy and oily in viscosity with concentrated flavors of ripe dark plums, peppery spice, some licorice tones, a little bit of blackberry jam, light savory woody notes, a hint of meaty umami and a touch of tomato paste. The medium-plus acidity keeps the wine somewhat in balance, but fortunately there's quite a bit of tannic grip that lends good sense of firmness to the otherwise rather round and slightly flabby body. The finish is ripe, thick and juicy with long, sweet-toned flavors of blackcurrant jam and blackberry marmalade, some ripe black cherry tones, a little bit of dried dates, light meaty notes and a hint of licorice.
A hugely massive, somewhat round and rather evolved Barossa Shiraz. Although the wine is marketed has having freshness and brightness from the Eden Valley fruit, it really doesn't come through after 17 years of aging - this is as big and chunky as a Barossa Shiraz can be. Although the wine is a bit flabby and clumsy, it still manages to retain its balance surprisingly well and the overall feel is quite enjoyable for such a big wine. Some people in the tasting commented how the wine was just too big and chewy, but in its defense I must say the wine still did show more balance and sense of structure than the other two wines we had in the flight (Fox Creek Grenache Shiraz 1999 and Torbreck The Steading 2002) while at the same time coming across as evolved but not too aged or tired. Although a hulking monster for a wine, this is very good for what it is. At its peak now or very soon in the future, but won't fall apart at least within the next handful of years. Drink or keep.
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I repeat my previous TN which was spot on. One hour decant with amazingly smooth dark fruits of the forest on the nose and delivered with a lovely length in the mouth. An elegance not often associated with Oz.
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Happily, this bottle, while a touch less intense and powerful than the 3/22/10 bottles, was more balanced, complex and suave on the palate. Very fresh and intact for a 17 year old Shiraz.
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Dark fruits on the nose upon opening dense and full but not long. Decanted for about 1.5 hours. Would have been fine to almost PNP. In the mouth very powerful dark fruit very round Blueberry is dominant . Amazing really too much for me personally but when drinking the 2nd half off the bottle with perfect cream coloured blue Stilton it really worked even for my Bordeaux loving palet. Would be desired by those who love blockbusters !
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Classic Barossa Shiraz. Enjoyable :) Rich texture, melted ripe tannins, tabacco at the back, with clean & long finish. Spicy but not too much. Cloves, black fruits baked pie, wild flowers, smoky nose.
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A whole 9 years since we tried this wine last ( Papies 91) and great to cross paths with it now that it has evolved. Old med level Aussie Shiraz is not easily found these days. Definitely a lot more mellow than the muscle wine this was in its youth and almost felt like it’s past it’s best days withought however feeling tired or gone. Just with the freshness of it gone the weight of the fruit, the juicy light sweet side of it is a bit more pronounced than we would have liked. Still a solid dark fruited wine , less of the spice and evolution of Syrah and this remains Shiraz all the way. 90-91
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Deep ruby, notes of tar, propane, smoke, rubber, creosote, bacon licorice, extremely complex, extremely thick, perfectly balanced, very rich still very youthful with a very long life ahead of it. Impressive, will hold another 10+ years.
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It's big and and bold and slightly chewy but served at the end of a big Christmas meal at Hawksmoor, it went very well with pudding. One big glass is all I could manage at this level of richness but everyone enjoyed.
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The last of the Torbrecks and was found left over through a miscount! Even though they drinking window it’s held up. Lashes of new oak in the Parker style of the early 2000’s. Big. Despite that enjoyable. Lots of sediment though
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Still drinking beautifully, blackberry and black currant, with a minty herbal edge. Lots of freshness, but there’s rich mature character here too. This could make it another five years, but might as well drink them now.
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Xmas party at Chateau Davyd. Aired in bottle for about an hour before drinking. Appearance is clear, deep intensity, ruby colour. Legs. Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of black licorice, asphalt earth, glossy black cherries, blackberries, Baygon insecticide spray. Developed. On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol (14.5%), resolved super fine high tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with flavours of black cherries, blackberries, dark red cherries and boysenberries jam, black licorice, bits of sweet tarred earth. Medium+ finish. Very good quality. Ex-blockbuster fruity wine that is now humming along more calmly as it approaches twilight years. Real enjoyable good stuff, though it lacks the complex layers of Torbreck's Descendant and RunRig bottlings. Blend of Shiraz old vine fruit from Eden Valley and Barossa Valley. 18 months in French oak (20% new).
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Big and bold Tobreck from the Parker bomb days of old. Lots of vanilla new oak, pitch black to look at, with tobacco and cigar on the nose, some spices. Fruit fading a bit now - was probably at peak a year or so ago.
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Fruit it still vibrant but somewhat disjointed and lacks complexity. Enjoyable but not special. It may still improve, but I remember enjoying this more a few years ago.
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Deep purple color with a bouquet and flavor of plums. Tannins still in evidence, but nuance limited with moderate finish. The bottle had likely peaked, given the comments of other tasters, who found the wine much more compelling.
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Very harmonious and matured. Solid and sweet dark fruits with smoky flavor. Tannin dissolved. A decent matured wine but rather simple. But drinking very nicely.
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Charcoal, cigar box and cedar along with bags of blueberry and well integrated oak. Great power and intensity but also very pure and not at all overwhelming. Long finish. While there is plenty of tertiary character present the amount of fruit also indicates this has plenty of time left. However, there is not much to fault with this wine as it is and if I had anymore I would not be holding back on drinking it now.
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Had a really nice nose to begin with. On palate its quite rich and a bit... salty?... which was weird. Not elegant but not bombastic either. Not what I was hoping for. Fresh - Probably should have let this age longer?
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The 2004 the Struie is hitting its prime drinking window right now. Just like other vintages of this effort, the 2004 exhibits mature dark fruit with blueberry as the major component. There is also sweet licorice and black currant accompanied by subtle saddle leather. The palate is perfectly integrated and exhibits a lovely thick velvet like impression. Acidity is there, as is of course the fruit, oak and subtle tannins. I suppose full throttle is a good way to describe this effort, but not in an American muscle car, but rather an elegant Lamborghini. The overall balance and integration is close to perfect tonight. There is most likely no reason to cellar this wine further but it will continue to age gracefully. - If in your cellar, just pop and enjoy. A gorgeous wine!
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Deep ruby with pronounced aromas of pepper, black fruits and chocolate. The Struie has medium acidity, high intensity, full body and a palate of sweet fruits with low tannin. Doesn't have excess alcohol even though it's a big wine. Long finish and quite versatile in food pairings. Very good wine that is now mature. Would definitely have again and at that price point, it is very good value.
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Tasted next to the 2003 and 2005. Nicely evolved, still powerful and dense. Very open and fresher then the 2003, more vibrant. Very well balanced. Spicy finish, very long. Excellent. Drink or keep. 92-94
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Less eveolved than the 2002 The Steading tasted alongside. Concentrated berry and cherry fruit on the nose, a little bit jammy, slightly meaty, spicy. More balanced than The Steading, quite fresh, complex and spicy. Really good length. Drink or keep. 91-93
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Showing very well. Lashes of dark fruits, cigar/tobacco and spices on the nose. Big. Good acidity on the palate, though tannins soft - in the Torbreck style. At or near peak IMHO.
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Coravined. Still dark garnet in color, not much sign of aging. Clean bouquet. Spicy and hot on attack...hmmm. Plenty of tannins on mid-palate, big wine. Hot finish with 14.5% alcohol, another BBQ wine candidate? Not a good showing today. Left over used to cook Rigatoni Al Forno, wonderful for that purpose though.
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Lovely developed Struie, licorice with black fruits and tempered oak. Fine tannins complete a pretty refined picture, pretty enjoyable for mine. Reckon it is at a good age although I didn't feel it was done yet.
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This bottle integrated great. The "jammy fruit" was gone and replaced by a solid yet subtle red and black fruit. Tannins were soft but still balanced. Enjoyed it.
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Dinner with some very special friends and former classmates. With the possible exception of an '82 La Tour Haut Brion, I have never served a wine that received as much appreciation and enjoyment. The 96 WA rating was spot-on. I would like to comment on past events with Torbreck as I see them. Letting David Powell go looks like an enormous blunder. This will probably rank right up there with Boston trading the Babe, or Atlanta not keeping Brett Farve. Alas!
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not a bad aussie shiraz. there's some olive tapenade and spice peaking out behind the blueberry compote, and a decent structure to go along with it. Throws a lot of sediment. Should probably be drunk in the next 2-3 years
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Popped and poured. Nose got bigger and more complex with air. Pine cones, eucalyptus, soy, witch hazel, wrapped up in blueberry cream. Vibrant in the mouth. Fresh blueberries, red cherry compote with a medium-long finish. Didn't have the focus or power of the mighty '02 but held its own. Drink or hold. Good pairing with lamb burgers and porcini mushrooms.
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Vindredi (Barcode (Bellevue, WA)): Minty, smoky, and spicy, showing some oak influence. Ripe red fruit, with bright cherry, leather, spice box. Fine but present tannins and lots of acidity to finish it off.
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Excellent shape. Needed 10-20 minutes on opening, but very ready to go. The oak at first was a little overpowering but it calmed down and became a quite pleasant, teeth staining powerful Shiraz.
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Tasted three times in three years and consistent notes. Good nose of blackcurrant, plum and liquorice. Good tannic structure. Excellent length. I would rate this much higher if the balance wasn't marred by an excess of alcohol. 14.5% is too much for my taste. '61 Palmer was under 12% so there' no need to make a wine taste like brandy.
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Pronounced nose of Ribbena-ultra-fine version, big yet finely made with good acidity, lasts 30sec plus in mouth, good structure and reminds me of why I love a Torbreck. My benchmark was the Runrig from the same year which was like a huge firework of fruits in my mouth, this is like a beautiful firecracker.
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Boasting an impenetrably thick and inky black colour, the 2004 Torbreck The Struie is an explosive concoction packed with loads of dark fruit, Kirsch, creme de cassis and vanilla. It is irresistibly unctuous, silky and full bodied - and lingers on with a great 45 second+ finish. A very well-made, punchy yet classy wine that is sure to please any Shiraz lover. To be enjoyed over the next decade.
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Leather, savoury with a touch of earthiness but still a good amount of dark fruits. Complex with a long finish. Still very balanced. Drinking very well.
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Umhellt og loftað í tvo tíma. Mjög dökkt og þroskað. Sterk berjaangan, krækiber, kirsuber og bláber. Í firnalöngu mjúku eftirbragði, vanilla, kirsuber, jafnvel brenndur sykur, súkkulaði og möndlur. Mjúk tannín. Afspyrnugott vín sem hefur batnað mikið. Spurning hvort það getur batnað mikið meira. Frábært vín.
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Color-Obviously deep, dark, inky, purple. Aroma-Definitely very berry: Blueberry, Blackberry, Gooseberry. All the luscious DARK Berries. Mouthfeel-Full, pillowy like a cloud, soft, subdued, really wonderful mouthful of pleasant sensations. Very gentle on the tongue. (Decanted 2 hours) Taste-Full, ripe fruit, deep, complex, subtle, nothing tangy, blueberry, blackberry, everything in it's place. This is an absolutely wonderful wine that I have been hanging on to for 8+ years and is drinking fantastic right now.
Drinking well now, sweet and smooth on entry. Slight heat at finish with 14.5% alcohol. Not over-oaked or over-extracted. Should have few more years left. Enjoyable.
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Deep, delicious, surprisingly well-balanced shiraz that is drinking quite nicely now. No need to wait; I don't think it will improve much, if at all. I'm moving my drinking window up a bit.
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Drinking very well. Whilst big and aussie shiraz, there was good balance here, with softer tannins and some acidity. Blueberries, pepper and some vanilla (new oak?). V nice.
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stumbled on stock in Mumbai at The Leela. Fully into prime, rarefied nose of fruit, toast, burnt slightly, and then a mouthful of flavour yet not heavy like the biggie shiraz-es from Down Under. The blend is interesting and well worth elevating beyond table wine, though with Indian food it was a great complement. Screw-cap made me think twice about taking stock back with me to keep, I dont think it was meant to cellar, but is a very fine wine drinking beautifully at the moment. Caper Diem !
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I first had this wine maybe 5-6 years ago and I think this wine has peaked. This time around, we popped and poured BYO to a restaurant. The blackberry fruit forward character was still present but not as deep and the complexity seemed to have wound down a little and length a little shorter. It's still an excellent Aussie Shiraz but I think it's time to start popping these babies if you have any remaining. I'm thinking another 5 years of good drinking window.
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Big. Powerful. Fruity. Picked up loads of spice. Hint of smoke. Very blueberry and black currant on the palate. Smoothe on the palate but still a bit of a hit on the finish which suggests there is plenty of life left in this wine. Overall approachable now but will definitely benefit from more time in bottle.
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Ummm....Holy freakin shit!!! This wine is incredible! Absolutely delicious in every sense. Holds great character, amazing fruit and a finish that lasts for quite a while. If you can find it, BUY IT! I had this with a Filet w/ Bernaise sauce. Torbreck has always been a great winery, but this is probably one of their best efforts. If for some reason you disagree with this review then you either only like super dry wines or have no pallate and should drink Boone's Farm for the rest of your life.
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Really outstanding wine now and into the next several years. Didn't have time to decant, but sipped over several hours. Deep rich purple with a sweet berry nose. Although just a bit sweet, it had real power and fullness with the Aussie jammy style subdued and more conventional expressions of Syrah. Tasted of black fruits, pepper, spices, and a bit of blueberry. Nicest bottle we've tasted of this vintage.
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Black fruit and woodsmoke on the nose. A generous rich creamy palate of spiced black cherry compote. Sunshine in a glass but with enough structure and age to add complexity to appeal to old world wine die-hards like myself! Lovely.
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My prior notes remain valid, but everything with this bottle seemed a bit more subtle. Still big and fruity, just with a bit more savoury notes and more balance. Looking forward to opening a few more.
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BOOM. this is a massive fruit bomb. Deep dark purple in colour. Very expressive on the nose. Dark red fruit. On the palate again there is lots of fruit. Thing black currant, hint of brambles and wood. I'm sure the alcohol level is fairly high but it's now obvious when drinking this. None of that heat on the finish. The tannins are well integrated and there is no obvious harshness. Will be interesting to see how this mellows over the coming years as I suspect there is decent life ahead. Not my favourite style of wine, but I can appreciate the quality here.
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The Sampler Spring Tasting 2013 (Islington): Distinctive savoury nose: quite vegetal but there are some espresso notes too. Full-bodied. Sweet attack and decent length but just a little sweet for me. 16/20.
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I didn't expect how good that was. My goodness, the nose is pronounced with floral, darkberries, olivers, spices & dark chocolate. The right balance of body, acidity & fine rich tannins are so delicious, it can harmony with richness of dark fruits and hint of mint, liquorice, dark chocolate & oak. The length is ok about 10 secs. This wine is right at the peak and is really an enjoyable Shiraz from Aus. I would like to buy more soon.
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Une autre étrange métamorphose! Nez intense, explosif, de fruit noir, tarte au fruit, de goudron, de menthol. La bouche est ronde et très mûre, dense voire épaisse. C'est assez lourd, avec une finale chaude...un sirop tonique, dont la surmaturité me lasse rapidement. Cependant, avec l'aération et plusieurs heures, il se passe un autre de ces miracles : une précision inattendue, l'alcool ne dépasse plus le fruit et le vin montre un bel équilibre dans le style, savoureux, avec une certaine classe. Il me semble alors vraiment très bien! 90 pts
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Very fruity nose when opened. Let the bottle sit for 3 hours prior to drinking. Expected a fruit bomb, but got a very balanced wine with black and red fruit, blackberries, spice, some plum, tannins in the background. Never tasted hot. Seems to be in a really good drinking spot.
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having tasted this a few times years ago, this is the first time that I didnt think that RP's rating of 96 (which btw was really RP and not JM) was a panacea. The colour is intense purple. The nose is really classy - sweet dark fruit making you think of plums and blackberries with a very slight hint of oak - a super nose. On the palate there is no way this is overdone (try Two Hands, Greenock Creek or Hentley Farm if you think this is big) with dark fruits, spices and tobacco. Medium/long finish. This will last but personally I would drink fairly soon (1-2 years) as in my experience Aussie shiraz ages in unpredictable manner. This is good now, why wait.
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At first intense wine with typical fruit bomb of dark plums dark berries black currants. Juicy gobs of gummies with dark chocolate. After two days , the wine tapered down to reveal more balanced coconut oil lifted exotic plush plums. That is the trouble with these monster Shiraz. U need to open it for days to get the alc put of the way. Really not too bad as a shiraz and would pair lovely with steak.
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Decanted 2 hours. Dark fruit and some vegetal aroma's on the nose. Palate has big strong dark fruit, tobacco and some earth. Alcohol stands out. Big smooth and juicy. Good tannic grip makes lasting finish, woul over power most food.
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Loftað í góðan klukkutíma. Berjaangan og vottur af lakkrís. Kröftugt berjabragð og enn töluverð tannín, en hefur mýkst. Langt eftirbragð með krækiberjum á tönnum. Mjög gott.
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You have to like the style. If old world refined bdx is your style then this will feel overdone. Big full on fruit from nose to finsh, coffee notes. High levels of extraction and although we decanted through a vinturi aerator honestly we didn't feel any impact. Meaty, deep lush on the palate. Not as elegant as the 2002 but still for the style a nice wine.
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Coffee grounds, tobacco, blackberry on the nose, which is beginning to show its age, in a good way. Earthy and complex in the mouth, but with bright and pure blackberry/boysenberry fruit. Still a great bottle.
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Very typical of the Torbreck style but a completely balanced wine. Some beautiful dark fruits but not overdone or too extracted. Nice soft tannins, powerful nose, wonderful texture and improved when the second half of the bottle was consumed a day later.
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Given a few hour decant and allowed to warm up, this was a very balanced shiraz. Of course it is lush with dark fruit but this was nicely integrated with none of the harsh heat or acid of other Aussie fruit bombs. It is not going to be mistaken for French but this is well made, velvety and a pleasure to drink. Vive la difference!
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Huge, extracted, sweet wine with gobs of blackberry jam. I kept hoping for some tannin or structure, or something to break through the fruit and give this some balance, but it didn't happen. There was a little toasted oak peeking through but it couldn't match the fruit, which was sweet and lush but overwhelming.
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Nez gorgé de fruit noir (mûres et bleuets), de goudron et d'eucalyptus La bouche est dense, concentrée, un vin plein, gourmand et bien équilibré. Dans le style Aussie Shiraz, c'est très bien fait, sans excès d'alcool ni de tanins. Fruit bomb! 90 pts
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Popped and slow o'ed for 3 hours. Deep purple hue, quite youthful in appearance. Forward nose of blackberry, black olives, black currant, grilled peaches, cracked pepper, and a touch of vanilla bean. Medium-plus body. In mouth, the fruit is still the center of attention, with gobs of dark fruits and ripe currant flavors cascading over the palate. An interesting touch of menthol, dried fruits, and pipe tobacco adds some complexity. Tannins have mellowed over the years and now seem rounded and smooth on the moderate-plus finish. Will definitely last for another 6-12 years in cellar but definitely worth taking for a spin right now.
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Deep purple color. Aromas of cassis, blackberries, pepper, red meat and Asian spices. Rich, dense but not heavy fruit in the mouth with great depth and length. Silky texture with a very long, lingering finish. At peak.
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Beautiful dark garnetr, fruit on the nose was fantastic with gobs of dark fruit, pepper and earth. Allowed to decant for 30 minutes, opened up with light tannins and great finish. Very nice, typical Barossa Shiraz!!!
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I smelled this over and over for five or ten minutes before tasting it. Exotic spices adorn what is fundamentally a meaty, savory, beefy nose of black and blue berries. In the mouth, it's got roasted, tarry flavors giving complexity to the huge, concentrated blueberry and blackberry fruit. Some olive/herbal notes, too, and a nice, saline mineral component on the finish. Not very tannic. This is as complex as Australian wine gets, and it's drinking as well as ever.
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Seriously good and drinking very very well now. Great balance of dark fruit, chocolate and smoke on the front, evolving into spice, earth, more dark fruit and very well integrated tannins. Really think it is hitting its stride.
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Wineflock - Scott M. Aussie Intro/Retro (Ken's): Group #5, My #7 - Full opaque black color. Big forward nose of black and red raspberry with crosote notes on the nose. Big bold spicy black fruit liquer on the palate with a long finish.
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A top-notch Aussie shiraz, following a Rhone model. On the nose, black olive tapenade, thyme, pepper, mineral/tar and smoke are as prominent as the blackberry and cassis fruit. Exotic spices and blueberry are added to the palate and persist through the finish. This is very pretty, earthy, and loaded with fruit. Nice structure, though the tannins are well submerged.
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Very concentrated deep ruby colour. Expressive and exotic nose. Rich lush intese flavours. Blackberry,cardamom and clove. Went well with Thai food. Great wine now but believe will improve with age.
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Decanted for 1 hour and enjoyed 2 glasses over the next 2 hours, had the balance of the bottle the following night. A nose of dark berries, thich in the glass, and delicious from start to finish (which is quite long). This wine has years to go.
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Deep ruby red. Nose of blueberries sweet ripe red fruits, coffee and caramel. Nice velvety almost creamy texture that lacked a little structure (Still needs more time) With a nice long finish. Was better with lots of air time.
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Dark purple, opaque color. Nose of black pepper, hot pepper and vanilla. Taste of prune, tobacco and a lot of spice. Mint and rose taste fills the palate for a long time.
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Decanted for 4 hours. Inky, dark purple and opaque. A very focused nose of sweet red fruits, pink cotton candy and blueberries. The nose alone is very enticing and welcoming. Still very tannic and young. A full bodied wine with super concentrated fruits in the mouth that finishes with the slightest bit of heat. Certainly will not drink another for another 3-4 years. Day 2 notes: 31 Hours in the decanter. A focused nose of red fruits, and mint. This is one of the most enticing sweet nose I've encountered and reminds me of entering a candy shop. Full bodied and still with firm tannins which replicates the nose on a lesser degree bringing along rose petals. Some heat is felt. The finish is moderately length. Score unchanged.
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nose of dark fruits - rasperry, blackberry. quite powerful on palate - again dark fruits and cassis. good balance and longish finish but wasnt as impressed as last bottle. it's still a good wine but both times I found it hard to understands RP's 96 rating.
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For the most part, consistent with previous notes, but this bottle had a little less complexity, without the roasted meats I'd enjoyed before. Still, loads of blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors, a touch of herb and pepper.
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Started out strange on the first night, but on night 2 it got real good. Velvety and smooth as can be. Huge flavors of cooked plums and cherries. We enjoyed this a great deal.
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The Wine Summit 2007: Torbreck Vintners - Friday, June 1, 2007 - afternoon (The Post Hotel - Lake Louise, AB): 100% Shiraz from 40 to 60 year old vines – 2/3 from Barossa and the other 1/3 from Eden Valley – 18 months in French oak – 20% new - named for a mountain in Scotland. Dense, deep purple toned ruby; wonderful fresh sweet penetrating aromas – blackberry – some oak – white pepper and green olives; full bodied – blackberry fruit coating the palate, and leading to a lengthy finish where the fruit prevails.
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Perhaps I was a bit tired, but this never elevated for me. Rich, dark, fruity, a bit smoky, but lacked something on the palate. I think allergies have been bad for me recently, so perhaps that, and the bottle of wine consumed prior to this, explains it. Two more to go, so it still has another chance...
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Deep crimson/inky purple; intense smoked meat, blackberries, black licorice, tar; concentrated berry, jammy, slightly spicy, full body, firm ripe tannins, lingering finish. Decanted 2 hrs. Young and concentrated with gobs of fruit and noticeably high alcohol. This never opened into the complex, balanced wine I thought it would be. Even big wines should have some purpose with food.
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Similar to previous notes. Beautiful wine in the glass: opaque but brilliant ruby. Without decanting tonight, initially loaded with blackness: asphalt, olive, and grilled meats with core of black cherry on the dense, layered palate with a wonderful herbal note that shows up again on the finish as eucalyptus and smoke. Great wine.
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Once Upon a Vine XIII - New Orleans, LA by Martin Wine Cellar (Pavillion of Two Sisters): I think this is 100% Shiraz, but I got the impression that there was some Viognier in it, as well. This was a very different Aussie Shiraz than I went into this wine expecting. It is really more Rhone-like in flavor profile than most Aussies. Its also nowhere near the fruit bomb that some of the Torbreck wines tend to be. The nose is lush with white flowers, bacon fat, luscious cherry and blackberry, black earth, and the prickly pungent aroma of Tellicherry black pepper. The palate is round and velvety, loaded with tart and sweet cherry & blackberry. The midpalate follows with lots of brambly, thorny, berry and a remnder of the pepper on the nose. The minerality tar, and earthiness is also present in spades, along with a meaty gaminess that I've rarely seen in Aussie Shiraz. The finish is somehwat spicy and tarry with good length. This is a flavorful and complex wine with good balance. I liked this, although the price is slightly higher than I would expect to pay for a wine of comparable quality. If you're looking for a mix between Aussie Shiraz and Rhone Syrah blends, then this is worth a try.
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Really enjoy this wine. It's a riot of red and black berry aromas and flavors, wildflower, pepper, and herbal notes with a bit of coffee, tar and mineral; in the mouth the same complexity is presented, but anchored with a pure core of blackberry. It is a really intense wine in the mouth. My previous tasting note didn't remark on the finish, but tonight I couldn't overlook it: you can study it for a full minute. Stylistically, this wine is typically Australian in its extraction and density and purity of fruit flavors, but it's got complexity and character that are very distinctive. Again, I'll buy more; enjoying a bottle every few months over the next several years should be a treat.
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Decanted for three hours before even smelling it. Large dollop of fruit, cherry was a consensus. Not a freight train but the integrity is so solid. Quite Viscous but not syrupy. The tannins need time. They are soft now but a little astringent. 2-5 years of cellaring would make this wine even better but evryone commented it was impressive.
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NobleRottersSydney - Christmas Lunch 2006 (David's place): [ {14.5%, cork, A$50} Another young ruby-coloured wine, the aromas here are softly earthy & sweet, with a faintly bretty note. (A Hunter wannabe?) Smells quite developed. An interesting Rhone-like palate, still rich in fruit, but with savoury touches. Dusty medium weight tannins precede a medium dry finish. Good wine, but pricey…
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WineAustralia Expo 2006 (Darling Harbour): The Barossa was represented by a small and very odd selection of makers. The stands were besieged anyway; a smart move by the organisers put them opposite the Kosher Wine boys – that helped even out the crush of people… Almost the only name I recognised was Torbreck, and my forays almost requiring jutting elbows yielded me firstly the 04 Struie, a wine redolent of roast meat/delicatessen aromas, whiffs of brett, plenty of tannin, not much back palate, and a warm alcoholic mouthfeel.
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New Release Torbreck Tasting (North Sydney Cellars): This is a bit more like it. Spice, licorice, smoked meat and I thought some very small cheesy notes. Lovely fruit intensity on the palate. Well balanced and and drinking very well now for my tastes.
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Has an extraordinary Rhone-style complexity for a Australian shiraz in this price range. Plenty of bright berry fruit and black pepper, but this is no simple fruit bomb. Also shows herb and subtle tarry, mineral notes on the nose, and the palate is complex, with a variety of black fruits, smoke and earth. Well balanced, and ready to drink. Like it a lot. Will buy more.
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4/1/2024 - LARich Likes this wine: 95 Points
Incredibly delicious! Inky and smooth with blackberry nose and perfectly balanced tannins. Stil vibrant and young. Jammy palate and long finish rounds out a wonderful experience. Can keep on going at least
5 more years!
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8/2/2023 - graemeg wrote:
NobleRottersSydney - 2010 & prior (Fix, St James, Sydney): {cork, 14.5%} [DavidM] From this point in the dinner the wines took a distinct turn to the bigger. This has a big, developing nose mostly of blackberry jam, not over-oaked. On the palate it turns more to raisins and prunes, and the alcohol becomes obvious too. Medium weight, but the presence sits towards the tip of the tongue and the fading structure manifests most in the warm, patchy and only short/medium length finish. Not quite convincing.
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12/11/2022 - Mhbeaune Likes this wine: 96 Points
There is nothing to add to previous TN’s. It was an absolute bargain when purchased 16 years ago. So full of dark fruits, no hint of any tannins and the most amazing nose. It won’t get any better.
Must be the right temperature or I’m sure it will taste “flabby”, we had it at 18c perfect for us.
I will drink my last 2 bottles over the next 12 months.
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11/28/2022 - shafer1994 Likes this wine: 93 Points
A massively fruit driven wine with a wow effect. Dark color, very sweet blackberry nose. Superextracted, superripe dark red fruit. A bit of marmalade. Silky finish. Dominant. Wouldn‘t keep it too long…
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6/24/2022 - empire80 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Served cellar cool on a warm night. Lovely stuff, tons of black fruit, liquorice, spices, long finish. On this showing this will go another 5 years, contrary to my last note.
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10/24/2021 - Mhbeaune Likes this wine: 98 Points
Massively fruit driven. Can’t believe what a steal this was. I purchased a few cases of Torbreck from new releases upon returning from a trip to Australia where a host in Adelaide was able to arrange a visit and tasting NOT normally available.
This is not meant to be a “premium” bottling but I just cannot think how it could be better for an Australian “Rhone” ! Long on the palet with Blackberries almost overwhelming In a style you would struggle to find from France. Whilst it is NOT my preferred style of “Rhone” there is no denying the winemaker’s talent IMO. Still got a few years ahead, I think. I was lucky enough to buy 24 bottles of The Sruie 2004 and started drinking them about 8 years ago when at first I found them too heavy. Over the last few years they are wonderful. My wife has just said ‘It will be a sad day when we have the last bottle !” 4 to go .
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10/11/2021 - forceberry wrote: 92 Points
A blend of Syrah fruit sourced from the cooler Eden Valley (+40 yo vines) and the hotter Barossa Valley (+60 yo vines). Aged for 18 months in seasoned French oak barrels. 14,5% alcohol, 6,43 g/l acidity and pH 3,69.
Dark, luminous and only very slightly translucent cherry marmalade color. Brooding, dark-toned and somewhat sweet nose with slightly evolved aromas of cooked dark fruits, some cigar tones, a little bit of raisiny fruit, light plum liqueur notes, a hint of peppered meat and a touch of tomato stalk. The wine is very full-bodied, chewy and oily in viscosity with concentrated flavors of ripe dark plums, peppery spice, some licorice tones, a little bit of blackberry jam, light savory woody notes, a hint of meaty umami and a touch of tomato paste. The medium-plus acidity keeps the wine somewhat in balance, but fortunately there's quite a bit of tannic grip that lends good sense of firmness to the otherwise rather round and slightly flabby body. The finish is ripe, thick and juicy with long, sweet-toned flavors of blackcurrant jam and blackberry marmalade, some ripe black cherry tones, a little bit of dried dates, light meaty notes and a hint of licorice.
A hugely massive, somewhat round and rather evolved Barossa Shiraz. Although the wine is marketed has having freshness and brightness from the Eden Valley fruit, it really doesn't come through after 17 years of aging - this is as big and chunky as a Barossa Shiraz can be. Although the wine is a bit flabby and clumsy, it still manages to retain its balance surprisingly well and the overall feel is quite enjoyable for such a big wine. Some people in the tasting commented how the wine was just too big and chewy, but in its defense I must say the wine still did show more balance and sense of structure than the other two wines we had in the flight (Fox Creek Grenache Shiraz 1999 and Torbreck The Steading 2002) while at the same time coming across as evolved but not too aged or tired. Although a hulking monster for a wine, this is very good for what it is. At its peak now or very soon in the future, but won't fall apart at least within the next handful of years. Drink or keep.
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9/11/2021 - GuBe wrote: 94 Points
Síðasta flaskan. Silkimjúk frá upphafi til enda. Eftirsjá.
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4/2/2021 - Mhbeaune Likes this wine: 94 Points
I repeat my previous TN which was spot on.
One hour decant with amazingly smooth dark fruits of the forest on the nose and delivered with a lovely length in the mouth. An elegance not often associated with Oz.
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2/15/2021 - hsacks Likes this wine: 93 Points
Happily, this bottle, while a touch less intense and powerful than the 3/22/10 bottles, was more balanced, complex and suave on the palate. Very fresh and intact for a 17 year old Shiraz.
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1/9/2021 - Paul Lin wrote: 85 Points
Decent. Easy to drink but nothing special. Notes of blueberry, earth, and spice.
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1/3/2021 - Mhbeaune Likes this wine: 94 Points
Dark fruits on the nose upon opening dense and full but not long. Decanted for about 1.5 hours. Would have been fine to almost PNP. In the mouth very powerful dark fruit very round Blueberry is dominant . Amazing really too much for me personally but when drinking the 2nd half off the bottle with perfect cream coloured blue Stilton it really worked even for my Bordeaux loving palet. Would be desired by those who love blockbusters !
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11/8/2020 - Gemofwine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Classic Barossa Shiraz. Enjoyable :)
Rich texture, melted ripe tannins, tabacco at the back, with clean & long finish. Spicy but not too much.
Cloves, black fruits baked pie, wild flowers, smoky nose.
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11/6/2020 - RED AND BLACK wrote: 89 Points
Too spicy for my taste, a little too alcohol and faded fruit. Maybe too late to open this, but I am not convinced by this one
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9/11/2020 - empire80 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big and bold, blueberry and black fruit, licorice and spice. Fully evolved and doubt it well get better - drink in next couple of years.
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8/13/2020 - LB88 wrote: 92 Points
Very lovely aged Shiraz. Drinking from now.
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6/20/2020 - Papies wrote: 91 Points
A whole 9 years since we tried this wine last ( Papies 91) and great to cross paths with it now that it has evolved. Old med level Aussie Shiraz is not easily found these days.
Definitely a lot more mellow than the muscle wine this was in its youth and almost felt like it’s past it’s best days withought however feeling tired or gone. Just with the freshness of it gone the weight of the fruit, the juicy light sweet side of it is a bit more pronounced than we would have liked. Still a solid dark fruited wine , less of the spice and evolution of Syrah and this remains Shiraz all the way. 90-91
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6/6/2020 - Ara Kafafian Likes this wine: 96 Points
Deep ruby, notes of tar, propane, smoke, rubber, creosote, bacon licorice, extremely complex, extremely thick, perfectly balanced, very rich still very youthful with a very long life ahead of it. Impressive, will hold another 10+ years.
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5/21/2020 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
With some green tobacco on the nose. And on the palate as well .
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12/16/2019 - DFBW Likes this wine: 90 Points
It's big and and bold and slightly chewy but served at the end of a big Christmas meal at Hawksmoor, it went very well with pudding. One big glass is all I could manage at this level of richness but everyone enjoyed.
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11/29/2019 - JChan wrote: 91 Points
Drank a 3L on my daughter 100 days.
Matured shiraz, dominated with blackcurrant and plum, oak is gone, spicy is gone, all dissolved together, quite harmony, but rather straightforward.
Past the peak, need to drink now.
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6/8/2019 - chadslater Likes this wine: 91 Points
The last of the Torbrecks and was found left over through a miscount! Even though they drinking window it’s held up. Lashes of new oak in the Parker style of the early 2000’s. Big. Despite that enjoyable. Lots of sediment though
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6/1/2019 - Burgundy Al wrote: 90 Points
Another Saturday at Chevalier...Mostly Blind Australian Wine (Chevalier Fine Wines - Chicago IL): Double blind in Australian tasting. Mature black plum and cherry with leather and enticing spice. Overall good balance with good weight and the only real detraction is a drying note on its finish.
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2/16/2019 - Sonoffalstaff wrote: 94 Points
See PGM below. Nothing to add
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1/7/2019 - pgm wrote: 94 Points
Still drinking beautifully, blackberry and black currant, with a minty herbal edge. Lots of freshness, but there’s rich mature character here too. This could make it another five years, but might as well drink them now.
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12/22/2018 - Derek Darth Taster wrote: 92 Points
Xmas party at Chateau Davyd. Aired in bottle for about an hour before drinking.
Appearance is clear, deep intensity, ruby colour. Legs.
Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of black licorice, asphalt earth, glossy black cherries, blackberries, Baygon insecticide spray. Developed.
On the palate, dry, high acidity, medium+ alcohol (14.5%), resolved super fine high tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with flavours of black cherries, blackberries, dark red cherries and boysenberries jam, black licorice, bits of sweet tarred earth. Medium+ finish.
Very good quality. Ex-blockbuster fruity wine that is now humming along more calmly as it approaches twilight years. Real enjoyable good stuff, though it lacks the complex layers of Torbreck's Descendant and RunRig bottlings.
Blend of Shiraz old vine fruit from Eden Valley and Barossa Valley. 18 months in French oak (20% new).
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11/23/2018 - chadslater wrote: 90 Points
Big and bold Tobreck from the Parker bomb days of old. Lots of vanilla new oak, pitch black to look at, with tobacco and cigar on the nose, some spices. Fruit fading a bit now - was probably at peak a year or so ago.
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9/24/2018 - SteelerFan wrote: 88 Points
Fruit it still vibrant but somewhat disjointed and lacks complexity. Enjoyable but not special. It may still improve, but I remember enjoying this more a few years ago.
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2/22/2018 - Enfantterrible wrote: 84 Points
Blueberry compote and not much else. Drink within next 2 years
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2/15/2018 - empire80 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Concentrated blueberry and licorice, integrated oak, drink now or keep.
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12/26/2017 - tcosgriff wrote: 85 Points
Deep purple color with a bouquet and flavor of plums. Tannins still in evidence, but nuance limited with moderate finish. The bottle had likely peaked, given the comments of other tasters, who found the wine much more compelling.
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12/17/2017 - nywine68 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Delicious wine. Lots of white pepper and spice. Great structure and persistence. Dark raisin flavors. Still fresh and vibrant. Enjoyable.
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9/27/2017 - JChan wrote: 92 Points
Matured Shiraz. A very good wine. Previous notes applied.
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9/16/2017 - JChan wrote: 93 Points
Very harmonious and matured. Solid and sweet dark fruits with smoky flavor. Tannin dissolved. A decent matured wine but rather simple. But drinking very nicely.
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9/1/2017 - mtarrant003 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Charcoal, cigar box and cedar along with bags of blueberry and well integrated oak. Great power and intensity but also very pure and not at all overwhelming. Long finish. While there is plenty of tertiary character present the amount of fruit also indicates this has plenty of time left. However, there is not much to fault with this wine as it is and if I had anymore I would not be holding back on drinking it now.
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8/20/2017 - hargy Likes this wine: 90 Points
well made and without edges - unmistakably an Australian shiraz - delicious
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8/12/2017 - LARich Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wonderful! Drink now and enjoy.
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7/13/2017 - RolfT Likes this wine: 89 Points
Had a really nice nose to begin with. On palate its quite rich and a bit... salty?... which was weird. Not elegant but not bombastic either. Not what I was hoping for. Fresh - Probably should have let this age longer?
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6/23/2017 - Christoffer78 Likes this wine: 94 Points
The 2004 the Struie is hitting its prime drinking window right now. Just like other vintages of this effort, the 2004 exhibits mature dark fruit with blueberry as the major component. There is also sweet licorice and black currant accompanied by subtle saddle leather. The palate is perfectly integrated and exhibits a lovely thick velvet like impression. Acidity is there, as is of course the fruit, oak and subtle tannins. I suppose full throttle is a good way to describe this effort, but not in an American muscle car, but rather an elegant Lamborghini. The overall balance and integration is close to perfect tonight. There is most likely no reason to cellar this wine further but it will continue to age gracefully. - If in your cellar, just pop and enjoy. A gorgeous wine!
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4/30/2017 - Yassine23 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Deep ruby with pronounced aromas of pepper, black fruits and chocolate. The Struie has medium acidity, high intensity, full body and a palate of sweet fruits with low tannin. Doesn't have excess alcohol even though it's a big wine. Long finish and quite versatile in food pairings. Very good wine that is now mature. Would definitely have again and at that price point, it is very good value.
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4/24/2017 - RayOB wrote: 91 Points
Barossa Valley Tasting (67 Pall Mall): Nose of smoke, menthol and dark brooding fruits. Deep rich palate.
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2/9/2017 - GeorgeSW wrote: 92 Points
Wow, very good. Still years left
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1/19/2017 - rossi.wine wrote: 93 Points
Tasted next to the 2003 and 2005. Nicely evolved, still powerful and dense. Very open and fresher then the 2003, more vibrant. Very well balanced. Spicy finish, very long. Excellent. Drink or keep. 92-94
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1/15/2017 - SlimShaney wrote: 94 Points
Impressed. This is truly outstanding value.
Charred edges contrasting beautifully with the most succulent inner berries.
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1/8/2017 - LARich Likes this wine: 91 Points
In a very good place now but can last 3-4 years easy.
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12/26/2016 - 309VEB wrote: 85 Points
This wine had leaned out. Based on past reviews I was expecting a lot more but this bottle was well past peak.
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12/16/2016 - rossi.wine wrote: 92 Points
Another great bottle. Nicely evolved and open, still lots of fruit and acidity. Great concentration and length. Drink but no rush. 91-93
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11/24/2016 - jsebiri wrote:
Popped poured , blueberries on the backend . Big wine , let this guy sit for a bit .
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11/22/2016 - rossi.wine wrote: 92 Points
Less eveolved than the 2002 The Steading tasted alongside. Concentrated berry and cherry fruit on the nose, a little bit jammy, slightly meaty, spicy. More balanced than The Steading, quite fresh, complex and spicy. Really good length. Drink or keep. 91-93
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8/17/2016 - chadslater Likes this wine: 94 Points
Showing very well. Lashes of dark fruits, cigar/tobacco and spices on the nose. Big. Good acidity on the palate, though tannins soft - in the Torbreck style. At or near peak IMHO.
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7/13/2016 - pclin wrote: 85 Points
Coravined. Still dark garnet in color, not much sign of aging. Clean bouquet. Spicy and hot on attack...hmmm. Plenty of tannins on mid-palate, big wine. Hot finish with 14.5% alcohol, another BBQ wine candidate? Not a good showing today. Left over used to cook Rigatoni Al Forno, wonderful for that purpose though.
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7/5/2016 - deverett wrote: 91 Points
Lovely developed Struie, licorice with black fruits and tempered oak. Fine tannins complete a pretty refined picture, pretty enjoyable for mine. Reckon it is at a good age although I didn't feel it was done yet.
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5/5/2016 - VinCapitan wrote: 90 Points
dark and brooding, black fruits, Dark chocolate and dried grapes, nice balance but big. thinking 15+% alcohol. 90
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2/27/2016 - awineo Likes this wine: 92 Points
This bottle integrated great. The "jammy fruit" was gone and replaced by a solid yet subtle red and black fruit. Tannins were soft but still balanced. Enjoyed it.
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2/20/2016 - ludwigbpm wrote: 87 Points
Jour 1: Chaleureux, sur le fruit confit, un peu lourdingue avec ces notes entêtantes de kirsch et cette finale amère. Quelle déception!
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1/22/2016 - jackaroo wrote: 96 Points
Dinner with some very special friends and former classmates. With the possible exception of an '82 La Tour Haut Brion, I have never served a wine that received as much appreciation and enjoyment. The 96 WA rating was spot-on. I would like to comment on past events with Torbreck as I see them. Letting David Powell go looks like an enormous blunder. This will probably rank right up there with Boston trading the Babe, or Atlanta not keeping Brett Farve. Alas!
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12/13/2015 - wkkan Likes this wine: 93 Points
A friut bomb. Still youngful and plenty of life left. Full body, medium acidity good structure and finest. An excellent aussie shiraz.
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12/9/2015 - Enfantterrible wrote: 88 Points
not a bad aussie shiraz. there's some olive tapenade and spice peaking out behind the blueberry compote, and a decent structure to go along with it. Throws a lot of sediment. Should probably be drunk in the next 2-3 years
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11/21/2015 - drmarclevine wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Nose got bigger and more complex with air. Pine cones, eucalyptus, soy, witch hazel, wrapped up in blueberry cream. Vibrant in the mouth. Fresh blueberries, red cherry compote with a medium-long finish. Didn't have the focus or power of the mighty '02 but held its own. Drink or hold. Good pairing with lamb burgers and porcini mushrooms.
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7/10/2015 - dpolivy wrote:
Vindredi (Barcode (Bellevue, WA)): Minty, smoky, and spicy, showing some oak influence. Ripe red fruit, with bright cherry, leather, spice box. Fine but present tannins and lots of acidity to finish it off.
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7/10/2015 - SeattlePaul Likes this wine: 93 Points
Excellent shape. Needed 10-20 minutes on opening, but very ready to go. The oak at first was a little overpowering but it calmed down and became a quite pleasant, teeth staining powerful Shiraz.
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7/9/2015 - asefq wrote: 93 Points
This is drinking great right now. Notes of plum, cocoa, berries, eucalyptus and leather. Full bodied with a decent finish.
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3/14/2015 - wineforth wrote: 89 Points
Tasted three times in three years and consistent notes. Good nose of blackcurrant, plum and liquorice. Good tannic structure. Excellent length. I would rate this much higher if the balance wasn't marred by an excess of alcohol. 14.5% is too much for my taste. '61 Palmer was under 12% so there' no need to make a wine taste like brandy.
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3/1/2015 - shutto1992@gmail.com Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent shiraz which is very powerful and strong blackberry flavors. This would go well with wild game, but would overpower subtle dishes.
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2/20/2015 - bacchuszuo Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pronounced nose of Ribbena-ultra-fine version, big yet finely made with good acidity, lasts 30sec plus in mouth, good structure and reminds me of why I love a Torbreck. My benchmark was the Runrig from the same year which was like a huge firework of fruits in my mouth, this is like a beautiful firecracker.
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1/24/2015 - Wineguy76 wrote: 94 Points
Boasting an impenetrably thick and inky black colour, the 2004 Torbreck The Struie is an explosive concoction packed with loads of dark fruit, Kirsch, creme de cassis and vanilla. It is irresistibly unctuous, silky and full bodied - and lingers on with a great 45 second+ finish. A very well-made, punchy yet classy wine that is sure to please any Shiraz lover. To be enjoyed over the next decade.
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10/11/2014 - rjsmall Likes this wine:
Leather, savoury with a touch of earthiness but still a good amount of dark fruits. Complex with a long finish. Still very balanced. Drinking very well.
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9/8/2014 - JChan wrote: 89 Points
Oaky in flavor, fruity and full bodied. No particular changes/ improvement, its so smooth - drinking quite well.
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9/6/2014 - GuBe wrote: 94 Points
Umhellt og loftað í tvo tíma. Mjög dökkt og þroskað. Sterk berjaangan, krækiber, kirsuber og bláber. Í firnalöngu mjúku eftirbragði, vanilla, kirsuber, jafnvel brenndur sykur, súkkulaði og möndlur. Mjúk tannín. Afspyrnugott vín sem hefur batnað mikið. Spurning hvort það getur batnað mikið meira. Frábært vín.
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4/14/2014 - JohnnyWine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Color-Obviously deep, dark, inky, purple.
Aroma-Definitely very berry: Blueberry, Blackberry, Gooseberry. All the luscious DARK Berries.
Mouthfeel-Full, pillowy like a cloud, soft, subdued, really wonderful mouthful of pleasant sensations. Very gentle on the tongue. (Decanted 2 hours)
Taste-Full, ripe fruit, deep, complex, subtle, nothing tangy, blueberry, blackberry, everything in it's place.
This is an absolutely wonderful wine that I have been hanging on to for 8+ years and is drinking fantastic right now.
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4/4/2014 - pclin wrote: 91 Points
Drinking well now, sweet and smooth on entry. Slight heat at finish with 14.5% alcohol. Not over-oaked or over-extracted. Should have few more years left. Enjoyable.
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3/2/2014 - MLwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep, delicious, surprisingly well-balanced shiraz that is drinking quite nicely now. No need to wait; I don't think it will improve much, if at all. I'm moving my drinking window up a bit.
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2/19/2014 - PC73 wrote: 90 Points
As before
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12/6/2013 - chadslater wrote:
Drinking very well. Whilst big and aussie shiraz, there was good balance here, with softer tannins and some acidity. Blueberries, pepper and some vanilla (new oak?). V nice.
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11/28/2013 - NNV Likes this wine: 92 Points
Classy Shiraz with character. Balanced and harmonius. Decent finish and bright fruit. I surprisingly liked it. Very hi QPR.
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11/10/2013 - JChan wrote: 90 Points
Good nose and full bodied. Still fresh for this 9 year-old wine. Oak and fruity. No much change with time but very pleasant. Long finish.
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10/11/2013 - bengti wrote: 93 Points
stumbled on stock in Mumbai at The Leela. Fully into prime, rarefied nose of fruit, toast, burnt slightly, and then a mouthful of flavour yet not heavy like the biggie shiraz-es from Down Under. The blend is interesting and well worth elevating beyond table wine, though with Indian food it was a great complement. Screw-cap made me think twice about taking stock back with me to keep, I dont think it was meant to cellar, but is a very fine wine drinking beautifully at the moment. Caper Diem !
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10/1/2013 - Stevey wrote: 93 Points
I first had this wine maybe 5-6 years ago and I think this wine has peaked. This time around, we popped and poured BYO to a restaurant. The blackberry fruit forward character was still present but not as deep and the complexity seemed to have wound down a little and length a little shorter. It's still an excellent Aussie Shiraz but I think it's time to start popping these babies if you have any remaining. I'm thinking another 5 years of good drinking window.
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8/20/2013 - PC73 wrote: 91 Points
Big. Powerful. Fruity. Picked up loads of spice. Hint of smoke. Very blueberry and black currant on the palate. Smoothe on the palate but still a bit of a hit on the finish which suggests there is plenty of life left in this wine. Overall approachable now but will definitely benefit from more time in bottle.
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8/17/2013 - VermontWinePsycho Likes this wine: 96 Points
Ummm....Holy freakin shit!!! This wine is incredible! Absolutely delicious in every sense. Holds great character, amazing fruit and a finish that lasts for quite a while. If you can find it, BUY IT! I had this with a Filet w/ Bernaise sauce. Torbreck has always been a great winery, but this is probably one of their best efforts. If for some reason you disagree with this review then you either only like super dry wines or have no pallate and should drink Boone's Farm for the rest of your life.
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8/13/2013 - lvjohn Likes this wine: 95 Points
Rock solid and rich with layers of fruit. This wine seemed nearly perfect and must be in its prime (or else we had an exceptionally good bottle).
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8/5/2013 - lvjohn Likes this wine: 94 Points
Really outstanding wine now and into the next several years. Didn't have time to decant, but sipped over several hours. Deep rich purple with a sweet berry nose. Although just a bit sweet, it had real power and fullness with the Aussie jammy style subdued and more conventional expressions of Syrah. Tasted of black fruits, pepper, spices, and a bit of blueberry. Nicest bottle we've tasted of this vintage.
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5/20/2013 - MissHighwater Likes this wine: 91 Points
Black fruit and woodsmoke on the nose. A generous rich creamy palate of spiced black cherry compote. Sunshine in a glass but with enough structure and age to add complexity to appeal to old world wine die-hards like myself! Lovely.
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5/6/2013 - konadog Likes this wine: 93 Points
blackberry, brown sugar, some black pepper notes as well. drinking very well, not hot or flamboyant like some AU shiraz.
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5/5/2013 - jsebiri wrote:
lots of alcohol on the nose , bottle was open for 3 hours before we drank it . lots of red and purple fruits , crisp nice wine
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4/28/2013 - PC73 wrote: 92 Points
My prior notes remain valid, but everything with this bottle seemed a bit more subtle. Still big and fruity, just with a bit more savoury notes and more balance. Looking forward to opening a few more.
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4/28/2013 - PC73 wrote: 91 Points
BOOM. this is a massive fruit bomb. Deep dark purple in colour. Very expressive on the nose. Dark red fruit. On the palate again there is lots of fruit. Thing black currant, hint of brambles and wood. I'm sure the alcohol level is fairly high but it's now obvious when drinking this. None of that heat on the finish. The tannins are well integrated and there is no obvious harshness. Will be interesting to see how this mellows over the coming years as I suspect there is decent life ahead. Not my favourite style of wine, but I can appreciate the quality here.
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4/14/2013 - davestenton wrote:
The Sampler Spring Tasting 2013 (Islington): Distinctive savoury nose: quite vegetal but there are some espresso notes too. Full-bodied. Sweet attack and decent length but just a little sweet for me. 16/20.
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4/13/2013 - yiuwing_hk Likes this wine: 94 Points
I didn't expect how good that was. My goodness, the nose is pronounced with floral, darkberries, olivers, spices & dark chocolate. The right balance of body, acidity & fine rich tannins are so delicious, it can harmony with richness of dark fruits and hint of mint, liquorice, dark chocolate & oak. The length is ok about 10 secs.
This wine is right at the peak and is really an enjoyable Shiraz from Aus. I would like to buy more soon.
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3/19/2013 - d'Artagnan wrote: 90 Points
Une autre étrange métamorphose!
Nez intense, explosif, de fruit noir, tarte au fruit, de goudron, de menthol.
La bouche est ronde et très mûre, dense voire épaisse. C'est assez lourd, avec une finale chaude...un sirop tonique, dont la surmaturité me lasse rapidement. Cependant, avec l'aération et plusieurs heures, il se passe un autre de ces miracles : une précision inattendue, l'alcool ne dépasse plus le fruit et le vin montre un bel équilibre dans le style, savoureux, avec une certaine classe. Il me semble alors vraiment très bien! 90 pts
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12/1/2012 - RhoneG Likes this wine: 95 Points
Very fruity nose when opened. Let the bottle sit for 3 hours prior to drinking. Expected a fruit bomb, but got a very balanced wine with black and red fruit, blackberries, spice, some plum, tannins in the background. Never tasted hot. Seems to be in a really good drinking spot.
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11/18/2012 - il_diavolo wrote: 93 Points
having tasted this a few times years ago, this is the first time that I didnt think that RP's rating of 96 (which btw was really RP and not JM) was a panacea. The colour is intense purple. The nose is really classy - sweet dark fruit making you think of plums and blackberries with a very slight hint of oak - a super nose. On the palate there is no way this is overdone (try Two Hands, Greenock Creek or Hentley Farm if you think this is big) with dark fruits, spices and tobacco. Medium/long finish. This will last but personally I would drink fairly soon (1-2 years) as in my experience Aussie shiraz ages in unpredictable manner. This is good now, why wait.
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7/4/2012 - SteelerFan wrote: 93 Points
Great! Very smooth.
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6/20/2012 - Alex H wrote: 85 Points
At first intense wine with typical fruit bomb of dark plums dark berries black currants. Juicy gobs of gummies with dark chocolate. After two days , the wine tapered down to reveal more balanced coconut oil lifted exotic plush plums. That is the trouble with these monster Shiraz. U need to open it for days to get the alc put of the way. Really not too bad as a shiraz and would pair lovely with steak.
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7/31/2011 - J2K wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 2 hours. Dark fruit and some vegetal aroma's on the nose. Palate has big strong dark fruit, tobacco and some earth. Alcohol stands out. Big smooth and juicy. Good tannic grip makes lasting finish, woul over power most food.
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6/25/2011 - GuBe wrote: 92 Points
Loftað í góðan klukkutíma. Berjaangan og vottur af lakkrís. Kröftugt berjabragð og enn töluverð tannín, en hefur mýkst. Langt eftirbragð með krækiberjum á tönnum. Mjög gott.
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6/1/2011 - benny wrote: 95 Points
Got more complicated as the wine opened. Just give time or air.
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5/15/2011 - Papies wrote: 91 Points
You have to like the style. If old world refined bdx is your style then this will feel overdone.
Big full on fruit from nose to finsh, coffee notes. High levels of extraction and although we decanted through a vinturi aerator honestly we didn't feel any impact. Meaty, deep lush on the palate. Not as elegant as the 2002 but still for the style a nice wine.
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4/16/2011 - pgm wrote: 93 Points
Coffee grounds, tobacco, blackberry on the nose, which is beginning to show its age, in a good way. Earthy and complex in the mouth, but with bright and pure blackberry/boysenberry fruit.
Still a great bottle.
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1/19/2011 - deverett wrote: 92 Points
Very typical of the Torbreck style but a completely balanced wine. Some beautiful dark fruits but not overdone or too extracted. Nice soft tannins, powerful nose, wonderful texture and improved when the second half of the bottle was consumed a day later.
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1/16/2011 - fjv3 wrote: 93 Points
Perfect time to drink for my tastes - secondary characteristics have developed, but not overtaken the fruit.
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12/27/2010 - iamandyc wrote: 92 Points
Given a few hour decant and allowed to warm up, this was a very balanced shiraz. Of course it is lush with dark fruit but this was nicely integrated with none of the harsh heat or acid of other Aussie fruit bombs. It is not going to be mistaken for French but this is well made, velvety and a pleasure to drink. Vive la difference!
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11/19/2010 - ekenneth wrote: 88 Points
Huge, extracted, sweet wine with gobs of blackberry jam. I kept hoping for some tannin or structure, or something to break through the fruit and give this some balance, but it didn't happen. There was a little toasted oak peeking through but it couldn't match the fruit, which was sweet and lush but overwhelming.
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10/26/2010 - d'Artagnan wrote: 90 Points
Nez gorgé de fruit noir (mûres et bleuets), de goudron et d'eucalyptus
La bouche est dense, concentrée, un vin plein, gourmand et bien équilibré. Dans le style Aussie Shiraz, c'est très bien fait, sans excès d'alcool ni de tanins. Fruit bomb! 90 pts
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9/10/2010 - GuBe wrote: 92 Points
Mikil berjabomba, m.a. kirsuber, grape, lyng. Dökkfjólublátt. Nokkur tannín og langt og mjúkt eftirbragð.
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7/11/2010 - kscopela wrote: 89 Points
Fruit bomb with a HUGE nose of Prunes and not much else. Certainly a stye that doesn't match my palatte and one I'd not buy again.
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3/28/2010 - *Vine* wrote: 93 Points
Popped and slow o'ed for 3 hours. Deep purple hue, quite youthful in appearance. Forward nose of blackberry, black olives, black currant, grilled peaches, cracked pepper, and a touch of vanilla bean. Medium-plus body. In mouth, the fruit is still the center of attention, with gobs of dark fruits and ripe currant flavors cascading over the palate. An interesting touch of menthol, dried fruits, and pipe tobacco adds some complexity. Tannins have mellowed over the years and now seem rounded and smooth on the moderate-plus finish. Will definitely last for another 6-12 years in cellar but definitely worth taking for a spin right now.
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3/22/2010 - hsacks wrote: 94 Points
Same as prior bottle consumed on 3/22/10.
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3/22/2010 - hsacks wrote: 94 Points
Deep purple color. Aromas of cassis, blackberries, pepper, red meat and Asian spices. Rich, dense but not heavy fruit in the mouth with great depth and length. Silky texture with a very long, lingering finish. At peak.
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2/13/2010 - 11mcraig wrote: 93 Points
Beautiful dark garnetr, fruit on the nose was fantastic with gobs of dark fruit, pepper and earth. Allowed to decant for 30 minutes, opened up with light tannins and great finish. Very nice, typical Barossa Shiraz!!!
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12/22/2009 - pgm wrote: 94 Points
I smelled this over and over for five or ten minutes before tasting it. Exotic spices adorn what is fundamentally a meaty, savory, beefy nose of black and blue berries. In the mouth, it's got roasted, tarry flavors giving complexity to the huge, concentrated blueberry and blackberry fruit. Some olive/herbal notes, too, and a nice, saline mineral component on the finish. Not very tannic.
This is as complex as Australian wine gets, and it's drinking as well as ever.
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9/30/2009 - bistro wrote: 94 Points
Seriously good and drinking very very well now. Great balance of dark fruit, chocolate and smoke on the front, evolving into spice, earth, more dark fruit and very well integrated tannins. Really think it is hitting its stride.
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9/16/2009 - rnellans wrote: 91 Points
Dark color. Big raspberry nose with some spice. Viscous, muscular with currents and raspberry on the palate. Nice finish.
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7/15/2009 - winefool wrote: 93 Points
Wineflock - Scott M. Aussie Intro/Retro (Ken's): Group #5, My #7 - Full opaque black color. Big forward nose of black and red raspberry with crosote notes on the nose. Big bold spicy black fruit liquer on the palate with a long finish.
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7/4/2009 - pgm wrote: 93 Points
A top-notch Aussie shiraz, following a Rhone model. On the nose, black olive tapenade, thyme, pepper, mineral/tar and smoke are as prominent as the blackberry and cassis fruit. Exotic spices and blueberry are added to the palate and persist through the finish.
This is very pretty, earthy, and loaded with fruit. Nice structure, though the tannins are well submerged.
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4/25/2009 - benny wrote: 94 Points
Very concentrated deep ruby colour. Expressive and exotic nose. Rich lush intese flavours. Blackberry,cardamom and clove.
Went well with Thai food. Great wine now but believe will improve with age.
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4/12/2009 - ludwigbpm wrote: 92 Points
Très beau touché de bouche, texture soyeuse. Vin gorgé de fruit, concentré, mais qui offre un équilibre impressionnant.
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4/5/2009 - Wayne Richmon wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Delicious and fully opened at 2 hours. Thick and rich with just a perfect amount of fruit and pepper.
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2/8/2009 - Wayne Richmon wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for 1 hour and enjoyed 2 glasses over the next 2 hours, had the balance of the bottle the following night. A nose of dark berries, thich in the glass, and delicious from start to finish (which is quite long). This wine has years to go.
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9/16/2008 - mreinitz wrote: 92 Points
Blueberries, blackberries, licorice, a little choclate, and some pepper. A robust and complex shiraz that is enjoyable and worthy of respect.
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5/30/2008 - vinaigre wrote: 91 Points
Deep ruby red. Nose of blueberries sweet ripe red fruits, coffee and caramel. Nice velvety almost creamy texture that lacked a little structure (Still needs more time) With a nice long finish.
Was better with lots of air time.
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3/10/2008 - lzhu wrote:
Dark purple, opaque color. Nose of black pepper, hot pepper and vanilla. Taste of prune, tobacco and a lot of spice. Mint and rose taste fills the palate for a long time.
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3/9/2008 - LesterKwong wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for 4 hours. Inky, dark purple and opaque. A very focused nose of sweet red fruits, pink cotton candy and blueberries. The nose alone is very enticing and welcoming. Still very tannic and young. A full bodied wine with super concentrated fruits in the mouth that finishes with the slightest bit of heat. Certainly will not drink another for another 3-4 years. Day 2 notes: 31 Hours in the decanter. A focused nose of red fruits, and mint. This is one of the most enticing sweet nose I've encountered and reminds me of entering a candy shop. Full bodied and still with firm tannins which replicates the nose on a lesser degree bringing along rose petals. Some heat is felt. The finish is moderately length. Score unchanged.
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1/20/2008 - il_diavolo wrote: 91 Points
nose of dark fruits - rasperry, blackberry. quite powerful on palate - again dark fruits and cassis. good balance and longish finish but wasnt as impressed as last bottle. it's still a good wine but both times I found it hard to understands RP's 96 rating.
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1/13/2008 - pgm wrote: 93 Points
For the most part, consistent with previous notes, but this bottle had a little less complexity, without the roasted meats I'd enjoyed before. Still, loads of blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors, a touch of herb and pepper.
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12/11/2007 - il_diavolo wrote: 93 Points
not the in your face purple fruit monster that some of the other shiraz's can be - very smooth and balanced. a lot to like.
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11/27/2007 - shiraz guy wrote: 94 Points
Started out strange on the first night, but on night 2 it got real good. Velvety and smooth as can be. Huge flavors of cooked plums and cherries. We enjoyed this a great deal.
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10/13/2007 - Wolfgang wrote: 79 Points
Salty, charcoal and a bit hot 96 RP????
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10/10/2007 - reichken wrote: 88 Points
drank too earl
rich creme casis but hot hot hot...and a little bitter
will leave alone for a few more years
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8/12/2007 - VinumCA wrote: 92 Points
Coming together nicely. Balanced, good fruit support, savory character.
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6/1/2007 - Hank Gillespie wrote:
The Wine Summit 2007: Torbreck Vintners - Friday, June 1, 2007 - afternoon (The Post Hotel - Lake Louise, AB): 100% Shiraz from 40 to 60 year old vines – 2/3 from Barossa and the other 1/3 from Eden Valley – 18 months in French oak – 20% new - named for a mountain in Scotland. Dense, deep purple toned ruby; wonderful fresh sweet penetrating aromas – blackberry – some oak – white pepper and green olives; full bodied – blackberry fruit coating the palate, and leading to a lengthy finish where the fruit prevails.
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5/28/2007 - rael007 wrote: 91 Points
Perhaps I was a bit tired, but this never elevated for me. Rich, dark, fruity, a bit smoky, but lacked something on the palate. I think allergies have been bad for me recently, so perhaps that, and the bottle of wine consumed prior to this, explains it. Two more to go, so it still has another chance...
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5/28/2007 - glaze3 wrote: 91 Points
just what you expect an aussie twist on the rhone,delisious decanted 2 hrs
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5/15/2007 - ColinR wrote: 91 Points
Deep crimson/inky purple; intense smoked meat, blackberries, black licorice, tar; concentrated berry, jammy, slightly spicy, full body, firm ripe tannins, lingering finish.
Decanted 2 hrs. Young and concentrated with gobs of fruit and noticeably high alcohol. This never opened into the complex, balanced wine I thought it would be. Even big wines should have some purpose with food.
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5/12/2007 - rmcnees wrote: 92 Points
Full bodied, dark, purple, chewy full firm tannins, ripe berry, black raspberry, mineral, camphor, a finish of licorice, tar and bark.
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5/11/2007 - rael007 wrote: 95 Points
Wonderful saline fruity mouth, smoky, mocha, violet, vanilla nose. Good finish. Well balanced. Worth it.
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5/8/2007 - pgm wrote: 94 Points
Similar to previous notes. Beautiful wine in the glass: opaque but brilliant ruby. Without decanting tonight, initially loaded with blackness: asphalt, olive, and grilled meats with core of black cherry on the dense, layered palate with a wonderful herbal note that shows up again on the finish as eucalyptus and smoke. Great wine.
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3/22/2007 - Jester wrote: 91 Points
Once Upon a Vine XIII - New Orleans, LA by Martin Wine Cellar (Pavillion of Two Sisters): I think this is 100% Shiraz, but I got the impression that there was some Viognier in it, as well. This was a very different Aussie Shiraz than I went into this wine expecting. It is really more Rhone-like in flavor profile than most Aussies. Its also nowhere near the fruit bomb that some of the Torbreck wines tend to be. The nose is lush with white flowers, bacon fat, luscious cherry and blackberry, black earth, and the prickly pungent aroma of Tellicherry black pepper. The palate is round and velvety, loaded with tart and sweet cherry & blackberry. The midpalate follows with lots of brambly, thorny, berry and a remnder of the pepper on the nose. The minerality tar, and earthiness is also present in spades, along with a meaty gaminess that I've rarely seen in Aussie Shiraz. The finish is somehwat spicy and tarry with good length. This is a flavorful and complex wine with good balance. I liked this, although the price is slightly higher than I would expect to pay for a wine of comparable quality. If you're looking for a mix between Aussie Shiraz and Rhone Syrah blends, then this is worth a try.
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2/24/2007 - JSwick wrote: 90 Points
Nose of Baked beans and animal fats that blew off after a few minutes in the glass. Dark cherry and blackberry filled palate. 50 AU dollars.
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1/29/2007 - pgm wrote: 95 Points
Really enjoy this wine. It's a riot of red and black berry aromas and flavors, wildflower, pepper, and herbal notes with a bit of coffee, tar and mineral; in the mouth the same complexity is presented, but anchored with a pure core of blackberry. It is a really intense wine in the mouth. My previous tasting note didn't remark on the finish, but tonight I couldn't overlook it: you can study it for a full minute.
Stylistically, this wine is typically Australian in its extraction and density and purity of fruit flavors, but it's got complexity and character that are very distinctive. Again, I'll buy more; enjoying a bottle every few months over the next several years should be a treat.
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12/31/2006 - gr8nrg wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for three hours before even smelling it. Large dollop of fruit, cherry was a consensus. Not a freight train but the integrity is so solid. Quite Viscous but not syrupy. The tannins need time. They are soft now but a little astringent. 2-5 years of cellaring would make this wine even better but evryone commented it was impressive.
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12/6/2006 - graemeg wrote:
NobleRottersSydney - Christmas Lunch 2006 (David's place): [ {14.5%, cork, A$50} Another young ruby-coloured wine, the aromas here are softly earthy & sweet, with a faintly bretty note. (A Hunter wannabe?) Smells quite developed. An interesting Rhone-like palate, still rich in fruit, but with savoury touches. Dusty medium weight tannins precede a medium dry finish. Good wine, but pricey…
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10/1/2006 - graemeg wrote:
WineAustralia Expo 2006 (Darling Harbour): The Barossa was represented by a small and very odd selection of makers. The stands were besieged anyway; a smart move by the organisers put them opposite the Kosher Wine boys – that helped even out the crush of people… Almost the only name I recognised was Torbreck, and my forays almost requiring jutting elbows yielded me firstly the 04 Struie, a wine redolent of roast meat/delicatessen aromas, whiffs of brett, plenty of tannin, not much back palate, and a warm alcoholic mouthfeel.
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7/25/2006 - mreinitz wrote: 92 Points
Very nice -- peppery with lots of black fruit and a great long finish. We really liked it.
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4/20/2006 - CamWheeler wrote: 88 Points
New Release Torbreck Tasting (North Sydney Cellars): This is a bit more like it. Spice, licorice, smoked meat and I thought some very small cheesy notes. Lovely fruit intensity on the palate. Well balanced and and drinking very well now for my tastes.
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4/3/2006 - pgm wrote: 93 Points
Has an extraordinary Rhone-style complexity for a Australian shiraz in this price range. Plenty of bright berry fruit and black pepper, but this is no simple fruit bomb. Also shows herb and subtle tarry, mineral notes on the nose, and the palate is complex, with a variety of black fruits, smoke and earth. Well balanced, and ready to drink. Like it a lot. Will buy more.
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