Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Our marinaded tri-trip wine.

Good things happen when you take a good producer’s entry level wine and lay it down for 4-5 years. Then, pair with the right food.

Torbreck makes in descending quality order that I have had; The Laird ($400-$700), RunRig ($175-$200+), The Descendant & The Factor (around $90-$100 ish), their Struie (around $50) and the Woodcutter’s ($16-$24 depending on where you buy it).

The Woodcutter’s shows itself to be a close relative but, lacks some of the structure, depth and quality of fruit from its other siblings. However, the QPR is undeniable!

There are two things I am trying to convey. You don’t always need to spend $100 to $100’s for a really good quality wine. Second, even if you lay down a good entry level wine from a good producer in at least in a good vintage, very good things come through.

This shows, dark currants, ruby, candied; purple fruit mix, blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, black plum & blue fruits. Sweet tarriness, anise to black licorice, limestone, dry, crushed rocks, mixed berry cola, soft leather, wood shavings, dry herbaceous notes, dark spice, softly, layered baking spices; vanilla, clove, nutmeg, hints of cinnamon, understated mint/eucalyptus with dark, purple, blue flowers in a violet & lavender bouquet.

The body is; rich; ruby and full. The tannins are round, tarry, chewy and meaty. The structure, tension, length and balance are just a couple steps short of its peak. Dark currants, ruby, candied; purple fruit mix, blackberries, black raspberries, black cherries, black plum & blue fruits. Sweet tarriness, dark, used, expresso grounds, anise to black licorice, limestone, black pepper, dry, crushed rocks, mixed berry cola, soft leather, wood shavings, dry herbaceous notes, dark spice with palate heat, more pronounced & layered baking spices; vanilla, clove, nutmeg, hints of cinnamon stick, dark, rich turned earth, dark top soils, understated mint/eucalyptus with dark, purple, blue flowers in a violet & lavender bouquet. The acidity is round and nicely done. The long finish is, juicy to dry earthy, well balanced, elegant and persists without end.

The 2013 Woodcutter’s has another 10-15 years of good drinking ahead.

Photos of; their new tasting bar, Sofia during our private tasting with their International Brand Manager and that famous Barossa red clay soil structure with Estate vines. — 6 years ago

Corey Zamora, CSW

9.1

Intense floral aromas, on the palate-balance of grass, and florals. Pretty wine — 9 years ago

Chris Heuer

9.7

I'm not a merlot fan but this was exceptional! — 12 years ago

Kaelig

8.9

Powerful fruit, young tannins, high alcohol — 6 years ago

Jason and Jennie

9.3

Laird killed it with their new remodel. Love how you can see both the vineyards and production from the deck. This wine is a great value for a single vineyard. — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

From Double Magnum this was in top form, brought by Greg from Torbreck. Rich plummy pruney silky Barossa Valley Shiraz. The Factor sits with The Descendant in the Torbreck Shiraz Hierarchy below Run Rig and The Laird. — 8 years ago

Katie Roberts

9.6

Very nice. — 9 years ago

Mike Shane

9.4

Amazing. Classic Carneros flavor. One of my favorite Pinots — 10 years ago

John Reid

9.1

Very very good — 12 years ago

Steven Lee

9.3

Fried bee hoon war. Same vineyard as torbreck the laird. Very good. Dark fruit, heavy, brooding, anise, vanila, liquorice, sweet, chinese soy sauce, hint of chinese tea leave, velvety, chocolate and multilayer complexity. Can go for few more years — 7 years ago

Steven Gullo

9.0

Worth the price. Seriously good apple brandy from NJ — 8 years ago

Dave Schneider

9.4

Wow, I bought this wine years ago and thought it was just good. 6 years later I opened it up and it's simply stunning. The oak and tannins have melted away into a gorgeously soft and plush wine. I originally bought this to honor my friend laird. Thought it was funny. Glad I did! — 8 years ago

WineMascot

9.1

typical aussie, but a little more character and prettier finish — 9 years ago

Joshua Blissett

9.7

Run Rig and Laird fruit went here in 2011. WHAT!!?!!!? — 11 years ago