Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Woodcutter is entry level for Torbreck. For just under $20, a very good Shiraz for the money.

This is young and full throttle. Alcohol seems hotter than 15%. But their reds need time.

Lots of ripe; mulberries, blackberries to pie, gooseberries, black raspberries & dark candied black cherries. Anise into black licorice, sweet tarriness, black ground pepper, fresh tobacco, leather, barrel shavings, dark spice, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, dry crushed rocks, red flowers, lavender, violets, full round acidity and nicely balanced, big tensioned, well structured, lush, elegant, well polished finish that lasts 90 seconds and falls on spice and pleasant earthiness.

It needs to shed its baby fat. Let rest another 3-5 years before opening. In Australian Shiraz hard to beat at this price point. — 13 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

A special project wine for the US and China marketplace. This is a 100% Shiraz with a medium-bodied style, ripe and very generous with plenty full flavors of mulberry, ripe blackberry, mocha and hints of blackforrest chocolate cake. It has a noticeable freshness on the palate which and a smooth cocoa powder finish, quite appealing to those who are looking for ready to go Shiraz from Australia. — 3 months ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.8

Fantastic cult wine that I’ve had the pleasure of trying a couple of times now. Lives up to the hype. Amazing in all aspects. Big but super pretty and just keeps rewarding you with greatness every time you return to you glass. — 3 months ago

Selfvingster

9.4

I received a bottle of Rockford as a 40th birthday gift, a wine I wasn’t familiar with at the time. After five years of aging, I opened it in the company of good friends – and what an experience! A rich and well-balanced wine, with intense flavors of berries and plums that really impressed. Wow, a wine that captivates with its harmony and depth. — 8 months ago

with Henrik, Gus and 1 other

Paula Strebig

8.9

Deep burgundy, moderate legs, medium body. (First half of the bottle) Subtle Raspberry with hints of pipe tobacco on the nose. Smooth, easy sipping, mild red fruit with smooth tannins on the finish. I want to think there is a touch of spiciness on the finish but I suspect it is the mouth feel of the tannins and not a spicy flavor. (Grilled top sirloin, cheese stuffed portobello mushrooms, broccoli with queso sauce - another lovely dinner on the lanai!) Great label! — 23 days ago

with Tim

Ron R

9.4

Whoa, what a sublime presentation. Nose displays tobacco leaves, ripe cherries and a dusting of cedar.
Palate is regal - the definition of smooth. Raspberries everywhere. Immature tannins suggest that this should be left for a while. Nice weight and texture leads into a smooth maple syrup finish. Spice box also coming thru after exposure to air. Thank you, Rick.
Mens club, Pittsburgh. — 3 months ago

with Andrew and Rick

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Everything about this wine is DARK. Deep ruby/purple color bordering on black. Aromas of black and blue fruit, Asian spices and coffee. Flavors of cooked black berry/plum/currant fruit, bakers chocolate, tar and espresso. Hint of black pepper on the long, lingering and silky finish. Extremely concentrated with lively acidity. Tannins are firm but in harmony. This is a wine you quickly take notice of. Probably at (or just past) its peak. Thanks for the wonderful gift, Petey P! — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

See previous notes for the 2006 Stonewell. Supple and smooth showing masses of plum and blackberry from old vine Barossa Shiraz. Aniseed/liquorice notes. A certain astringency to finish off. A good but not great Stonewell. I could have left drinking this until its 20th year next year but I don’t think it would be any different. — 2 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Blend of Grenache (65%), Shiraz (20%) and Mataro (15%). Bright garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red berries, dried violets, dried earth and cedar. Complex flavors of dried cherries and raspberries, red currants, black tea, Asian spices, black olives and tobacco. Long lasting savory and tangy finish. Silky texture, well balanced acidity and nicely integrated soft tannins. — 2 months ago

Irina Georgieva

9.6

Amazing wine, good balance, great taste. — 5 months ago