Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2023

Torbreck takes its name from the Scottish forest where founder David Powell once worked as a woodcutter before settling in the Barossa Valley of South Australia. Woodcutter's Shiraz is the entry into the range and draws on the warm continental climate of the Barossa, where hot, dry summers and old, dry-grown vines yield deeply coloured, ripe Syrah. The region's red-brown loam over clay holds just enough water to carry the fruit through the heat, and the warmth pushes sugars high, which is why the wine reaches 15 percent alcohol. Ageing in wood softens the firm tannins and adds a layer of spice and vanilla through slow oxygen exchange, while malolactic fermentation rounds the texture. The colour is dense purple. The nose is ripe and intense, with dark plum, cherry, black pepper and liquorice over cocoa and a trace of smoke. The palate is full bodied and generous, with concentrated fruit, warming alcohol and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, ideally decanted an hour ahead. It is built for grilled and roasted red meat and hard mature cheese.