2020 Torbreck The Descendant Shiraz Viognier, Barossa Valley
A$129.25
Availability:
Out of stock
SKU
11154R20
Gobsmacking. I have long adored this wine and have often sung its praises from the rooftops. However, I never thought it could capture my senses in the way it does in 2020. A raptor on nose and palate, locking on without a moment’s hesitation, there is an insane iodine and black fruit perfume here that conjures up images of the most dementedly talented parfumier going to work with the rarest musks and scents imaginable.The sense of heady Balkan tobacco alone is hypnotic. I have waited a long time for this wine to move from ‘high-gold’ level to perfection and this graduation happened in one fell swoop in 2020. So few Syrahs/Shirazes on the planet can do what this wine does, both from an aromatic standpoint and from a sheer hedonistic and seductive stance.This is an incredible creation and I am thrilled to inform you that it can be approached and enjoyed next year such is the aromatic bliss and ambassadorial fruit welcome that 2020 The Descendant offers the drinker. Drink 2024 – 2035
20/20 Matthew Jukes
The Descendant is a Shiraz Viognier blend, co-fermented. This year, the 2020 Descendant comprises 91% Shiraz and 9% Viognier; the vineyard is in Marananga and was planted in 1994, from cuttings form the RunRig vineyard. It matured for 20 months in second fill French oak barriques, previously used for the RunRig. In every way (price, vineyard source, cepage, maturation), this wine is a baby RunRig, although there remain some stylistic differences in the mouth. For one thing, this 2020 Descendant has been matured (as mentioned) in older oak, so the imprint of oak flavors is more subtle. While there is no denying that the texture has an extreme slick and polish (it is almost thick in the mouth, truly plush) from the high percentage of Viognier, the wine is pure and glossy and exuberantly fruit driven. The tannins, which exist very much within the wine, are savory and exotically spiced: star anise, clove, hints of cardamom, licorice, red dirt and iodine. This is very good, luxurious, enveloping, sybaritic, with lots going on.
96+ points Erin Larkin robertparker.com
92 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com
When Torbreck co-fermented this “descendant” Shiraz with Viognier, it was a first in the Barossa – now Torbreck have been joined by many others, a testament to the success of this Rhone blend.Shiraz is crushed straight on top of Viognier, which has been lightly pressed for RunRig, and the blend of fruit is then co-fermented. Maturation over 18 months is in barrels that have previously been used for RunRig.The deep red clay soils in this vineyard produces fruit that has a glorious perfume, a savoury flavour and a satin-like texture.
| Product/Service Sold Out | No |
|---|---|
| En Primeur | No |
| New Arrivals | No |
| Wine Type | Red Wine |
| Wine Style | Traditional |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Barossa Valley |
| Varietals | Shiraz, Viognier |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Wine Points | 100 |
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