2024 Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz from the Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most loved and reliable red wines, offering the richness and generosity that define the region, but in a style that remains unpretentious, juicy and beautifully balanced. The name Woodcutter’s pays tribute to the hard-working foresters of Torbreck’s early days in the Scottish Highlands, and it perfectly fits the wine’s character — honest, robust, and full of life. It’s crafted by winemaker Ian Hongell, who continues founder David Powell’s legacy of celebrating old-vine Barossa fruit with a modern touch.

The Shiraz is sourced from multiple Torbreck grower vineyards across the western ridge of the Barossa Valley, particularly around Marananga, Greenock, Seppeltsfield and Gomersal. These sites, with their ancient ironstone and clay-loam soils, yield low crops of intensely flavoured Shiraz. The grapes are hand-picked and fermented in open-top tanks with gentle plunging to extract fine tannins and vibrant fruit character. The wine is matured for about 12 months in seasoned French oak hogsheads and foudres, allowing it to soften and gain texture while retaining its lush, fruit-forward style.

In the glass, it shows a deep crimson-purple colour with inviting aromas of blackberries, dark plums and ripe cherries, lifted by hints of violets, anise, pepper and cocoa. The palate is plush and full-bodied yet energetic, bursting with layers of black fruit, milk chocolate and spice, supported by silky tannins and a gentle savoury edge. The finish is long, smooth and warming, showing the trademark Torbreck harmony between power and finesse.

The Woodcutter’s Shiraz is immensely versatile at the table. It’s brilliant with barbecued lamb chops, beef brisket, roasted vegetables or a hearty mushroom ragù. It also pairs well with aged cheddar or blue cheese. While approachable young for its pure fruit and supple texture, it will continue to evolve gracefully for up to eight years, developing more savoury depth and complexity with time.