2023 Torbreck The Steading Grenache Shiraz Mataro, Barossa Valley

Lifted and perfumed aromas of blackberries, violets, boysenberries, dark cherries, tar and spices. The palate is is finely tuned and tightly wound, with bright and focused flavors of red peppercorns, tobacco leaves, cured meat and dark chocolate. There is lovely transparency and vibrancy from a cool vintage aged in foudres for 18 months. A blend of 57% grenache, 33% shiraz and 10% mataro. Drink or hold.

94 points jamessuckling.com

In '23, the Steading sees a blend of 50/31/19% grenache/shiraz/mataro from grapes sourced across the parishes of the Barossa. Blueberry, boysenberry, dark cherry and plum is where the fruit is at; plumbed with gingery spice and hints of citrus blossom, dried meats, dried citrus rind and earth. The fruit's deep but there is a succulence on the palate and a nice energy to the acidity, finishing with a swell of powdery tannin and spiced red and dark berry fruits.

93 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Opaque ruby. Arresting notes of roasted red plums, dark raspberries, kelp and licorice get the senses excited. The palate delivers on what the nose promises: intense notes of blackberry coulis, bramble and sweet spices are kept in check by a backbone of inky tannins. This full-bodied delight has loads of freshness. While the fruit marries nicely to the structure at this stage, it also has great aging potential. 04 May 2025 Drink 2025–2032

93 points Gabrielle Poy therealreview.com

The 2023 The Steading comprises a blend of Grenache (57%), Shiraz (33%) and Mataro (10%). The wine is chocolaty and rich and abundant in fruit and spice detail. Shapely tannins define the palate, and the finish is long and concentrated. This wine has a long and popular history, and it is pleasing to see that continued here today. The cool and wet 2023 season is not overly evident in the wine in the glass here; perhaps it is slightly lighter than last year, but it lacks none of the concentration or density of the cuvées past. 15.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

93 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

A classic Barossa blend built around old vine Grenache, this wine captures Torbreck’s Rhône inspired philosophy in a generous yet savoury style. The Steading draws fruit from dry grown vineyards scattered across the valley, many planted decades ago on sandy soils that favour perfume and finesse over brute weight. Grenache leads with brightness and spice, while Shiraz and Mataro add depth and structure, creating a wine that feels layered and harmonious.

Winemaking is shaped by respect for fruit and site. Gentle extraction preserves aromatics, and maturation is designed to knit the blend together without overshadowing its character. The result is plush but balanced, carrying richness with freshness.

Deep crimson in colour, the aromas open with raspberry, plum and red cherry layered with rose petal, liquorice and warm spice. The palate is medium to full bodied and silky, with ripe berry fruit wrapped in fine tannins and lively acidity. Flavours of red fruit, pepper and savoury earth run long into a smooth, mouthcoating finish.

It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, grilled meats, Mediterranean dishes and slow cooked vegetables. Drinking beautifully now, it will cellar comfortably for ten to twelve years, gaining savoury complexity.

This is Barossa GSM in a polished, Rhône leaning voice, aromatic, supple and deeply drinkable.