Torbreck The Bothie 500ml, Barossa Valley

Majority muscat à petits grains, fortified and run across a long, deep solera. This is a glorious expression. A wine with levity and density, power and grace, sweetness and a palpable dryness. It’s very fresh, with a well-served jolt of volatility across the infinite finish. Think cloves, dates, cardamon, fennel seeds, orange bitters and the scents of an exotic bazaar. A gorgeous elixir with endless possibilities at the table and a drinking window that, frankly, is endless. Drinkable now, but will hold for years.

98 points Ned Goodwin MW jamessuckling.com

On a highland trail, the place to stop and rest is known as a bothie. This fortified old sweet white is the sort of wine one would hope to find while taking a break from inclement scottish weather.

The Bothie is a fortified blend of traditional grape varieties which have been used to make this style of wine in the Barossa for generations. Including Madeira Semillon, Frontignac, Palomino, Doradillo, Grenache and Shiraz, these varieties have a rich, and sometimes forgotten history of fortified winemaking in the Barossa.

Torbreck is the name of a forest near Inverness, Scotland. You’ll find more than a passing nod to the Celts in our wine naming conventions including this reference to the place to stop on a highland trail for a rest – a Bothie.

On the nose, Torbreck The Bothie offers an enticing bouquet of dark fruit, including blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, with rich aromas of cocoa, coffee, and spice. The palate is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a hint of caramel, balanced by a touch of oak and a subtle sweetness. The fortified wine has a warming, smooth finish with lingering notes of fruit and spice that make it perfect for sipping slowly and savoring.

This wine pairs beautifully with rich desserts like chocolate tarts, fruitcake, or crème brûlée, as well as with strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar. It’s also an ideal wine to enjoy on its own as a digestif after a meal, perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings.