Torbreck - The Struie

On the first cold night, it was time to crack a big Shiraz. Initially, I opened a 2002 Charles Melton Nine Popes, but it was badly corked. The other wine I had at room temperature was a 2003 Torbreck Struie. I was not too confident, as this was a hot vintage in the Barossa and I expected slightly dead fruit.

The wine opened nicely, with substantial and pure plum flavours on the palate. As always, Torbreck wines produce good mouthfeel, and some of the cooler climate flavours and white pepper from the Eden Valley component was shining through as well. But on the finish I did get the dried and dead fruit character.

I like the concept of this wine, but there are better years than 2003.

Score: 90/+