2023 Torbreck Hillside Shiraz Roussanne, Barossa Valley

A complex bouquet of blackberry, plum, and violet, with hints of spice, earth, and a touch of citrus zest from the Roussanne. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with flavors of dark chocolate, blackcurrant, and savory herbs, complemented by a subtle floral character. Balanced acidity and silky tannins lead to a long, layered finish, showcasing the harmony between the varietals.The Hillside Vineyard is one of the principal vineyard estates fundamental to the Torbreck collection of Barossa Valley vineyards and wines.

The Hillside vineyard was established near the town of Lyndoch in the south western corner of the Barossa Valley in 1849 by the Springbett family. The first vines were planted in 1850 to Shiraz and Grenache and by 1860 two generations of the Springbett family had built a small winery, the second to be established in the region. Within a decade the property was a fully operation winery and cellar producing single estate wines, one of the first of its type in the Barossa Valley.

Torbreck acquired the property in 2002 and set about resurrecting the old vines, planting new vineyards and restoring the charming historic ironstone buildings. Along with old vine Shiraz and Grenache there are blocks planted to other Rhone varieties such as, Counoise, Carignan, Mataro, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Marsanne.

Due to our success in co-fermenting Shiraz and Viognier, we thought it would be interesting to co-ferment the skins from Roussanne with Shiraz. We selected a Shiraz vineyard in Lyndoch that gave us the perfect structure and purity of fruit to balance the aromatics of the Roussanne. Once the juice was gently whole bunch pressed from the Roussanne grapes, the skins were added to the Shiraz and co-fermented. The resulting wine is as unique as it is intense; beautifully lifted and balanced and surprisingly distinctive.