Torbreck The Descendent/2015

Blend

92% Shiraz, 8% Viognier

Geographical Attributes

Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness. The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds. While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites. Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.

Vintner Notes

Intense, perfumed fruits with an underlying layer of lavender and spice. Dense dark cherry and blueberry fruit are perfectly interwoven with subtle nuances of white peach, spice, and cinnamon. Full-bodied with great concentration, yet retaining soft supple tannins this suave wine has impeccable balance. Of all the Torbreck wines the Descendent needs patient cellaring. Its immediate charm can be enjoyed upon release with just a few hours breathing, but we recommend locking the other bottles away for at least five years to enjoy its full potential, cellaring for the next 15 years plus.

Ratings

Robert Parker 93.The full-bodied 2015 Descendant features layers of dark berry and plum fruit, scorched earth, black olives and roasted meat, among other things. It's dense, rich and concentrated, slowly developing in the glass to reveal hints of licorice and pepper on the firm finish. Wine Enthusiast 92.Torbreck’s next tier down from its premium RunRig is once again a massive yet characterful and complex wine. A nose of coffee, grilled red and black fruit, meat and a myriad ground spices wrap around an earthy core. Satiny in texture with heaps of toasty oak, the fruit is concentrated and the tannins are structured with a lovely texture. Still a baby, this will cellar for many years: 2021– 2034 and likely beyond. James Suckling 95.Super tarry with a coal, smoky edge. It is bursting with aromas of blackberries and dark plums, as well as a dark-spice thread and plenty of black licorice. The palate has deep flavors in a smooth, fleshy medium-bodied frame. Impressive concentration, deep ripeness and a long future. Drink or hold.