Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Torbreck The Descendant Shiraz–Viognier 2022
Barossa Valley, South Australia 🇦🇺

Overview
A seductive, Rhône-inspired blend of approximately 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier, showcasing aromatic lift, silkiness, and elegant power. The Descendant leans into finesse and perfume while retaining serious Barossa depth, delivering a beautifully polished expression that feels expressive, vibrant, and effortlessly compelling.

Aromas & Flavors
Lifted floral aromatics of violet, lavender, and rose petal lead, followed by ripe red and black berries, dark cherry, blueberry compote, and hints of baking spice and white pepper. The palate is silky and layered with juicy fruit, subtle savory notes, gentle cocoa, and a lingering floral-driven finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with a supple, flowing texture and refined tannin structure. The Viognier brings brightness and aromatic tension, keeping the wine lively, polished, and graceful despite its natural richness.

Food Pairings
Herb-crusted lamb rack. Duck breast with cherry or plum glaze. Grilled pork tenderloin. Moroccan-spiced lamb tagine. Semi-firm alpine cheeses or aged sheep’s milk cheeses.

Verdict
Elegant, aromatic, and beautifully balanced, this is a wine that highlights the sensual side of Barossa Shiraz while preserving depth and complexity. A compelling, refined expression that offers immediate pleasure and excellent aging potential.

Did You Know?
The Descendant follows the Côte-Rôtie tradition of co-fermenting Shiraz with a meaningful portion of Viognier, enhancing aromatic intensity, mouthfeel, and freshness while maintaining structural integrity.

🍷 Personal Pick
A stunning wine that delivers perfume, polish, and charm in every glass. An exceptional expression for those who love Rhône elegance layered onto Barossa generosity.
— 4 months ago

Masako Harada

9.6

ミルキーな最高の美味しさ — 6 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.0

Fresh, funky, and fun. Effervescent. Cider meets IPA vibes. First time trying this much talked about producer. Went great with a mezze plate at Al Badawi. — 7 months ago

Mariana Puga

9.3

always yum — 9 months ago

with Raul

Aravind A

9.3

Pop and pour. Notes from 4 hrs open. On the nose: freshly cut honeysuckle, then loads of flowers, mint, soft honey and wet stone. On the palate: excellent acidity, wet stone, ginger, medicinal herbs, fantastic density. Better than my last btl...definitely one of my condrieu standards. Yum! — 5 years ago

with Florent

Danny Ray

9.0

Okay this fucks a little harder than the license.
Nice, smooth, white.
Paid 21? — 6 years ago

Brian Lenich

9.2

Snow day on Sunday with Amy — 4 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

Delicious Willamette Viognier — 5 months ago

Neal Krishna Devaraj

8.9

Nice with honeysuckle and melon. But that label. — 5 months ago

Richard Portes

9.2

So different from Dorian! Nose very Viognier. Light on palate, but long. — 7 months ago

romo

9.1

A weighty Viognier, to be sure, but lacks a clear line to its place. — 8 months ago

Sagee Aran

9.2

A rich and intense blend from Australia. Aromas of tropical fruits and oak attributes, on the palate balance of acidity and sweetness, long finish. — 9 months ago

Peggy Hadley

9.1

Easy drinker. Full of fruit. — 5 years ago

with Jim

Donald Williams

9.5

Got away with more aging than recommended. Still lovely. — 4 months ago

with Bonnie

Ericsson

9.0

WEST3 London. Very good wine. — 6 months ago

ChefLRA Riaño

8.9

Very nice & drinkable, light bodied, fruity & oaky, sweet beginning and nice tart end but not high acid. Can’t get enough of this gentle wine. — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

This is generally regarded as the best example of Shiraz Viognier in Australia but recently I tried a 2015 Serrat Shiraz Viognier which was the equal of Clonakilla if not better. As per previous Delectable notes this bottle had the trademark dried spices, cloves a trace of pepper and dried meat. Barely medium weight and always a joy to drink. My last bottle. — 7 months ago

Nicole Killin

9.0

Nice for the price! — 9 months ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.4

Great as always. A seductive perfume of white lily and jasmine flowers waft from the glass, and there is exquisite balance on the palate, with a bit of Viognier/Chenin “gras” paired with wet rocks, a refreshing tartness and almost phenolic spice on the finish. — 4 years ago

Rae Matthews

8.9

Very nice, smooth. Dark fruits spicy finish — 6 years ago