Torbreck The Steading 2021

Torbreck is a Barossa Valley producer in South Australia, a region able to keep ungrafted old vines because strict quarantine spared it the phylloxera that struck most of the wine world. The Steading is a Grenache, Mataro and Syrah blend in the southern Rhône tradition, drawing on these resilient, deep-rooted vines. The Barossa is a warm, dry climate, and the long sunny season ripens the fruit fully, giving the generous body and 15 percent alcohol the wine carries. Old bush-vine Grenache on the region's sandy and ironstone soils provides perfumed red fruit and lift, Mataro adds savoury structure and dark spice, and Syrah brings depth and colour. Ageing in French oak rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds a measured spice and vanilla while keeping the fruit central. The colour is deep ruby-purple. The nose shows ripe plum and red berries, black pepper, liquorice, a touch of smoke and leather. The palate is full and warm, with ripe dark fruit, soft generous tannins, a savoury spiced core and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted while young. It is built for hearty roast and grilled meats.