Coming Soon - 2020 Torbreck The Laird Shiraz

A monumentally sized Shiraz that’s pure decadence.

In Scottish terminology, ‘The Laird’ refers to the Lord of the Manor. This single vineyard Shiraz comes from an old vineyard in Marananga planted in 1958, a plot which remains the focus of envy amongst many of the region's winemakers. Previously owned and operated by the legendary Malcolm Seppelt, the vineyard was purchased by Torbreck in 2014 and is perfectly sited with the dry grown, original Barossa clone vines facing south east. The berries are typically small and concentrated and usually harvested in two separate passes.
The French oak selected for the maturation of this wine is considered to be some of the finest in the world. Referred to as Dominique Laurent's 'Magic Casks', the wood is selected from the incredibly tiny and highly prized Troncais forest. The staves are hand split in the French tradition and twice as thick as machine split staves. As a result of the extra thickness the barrels are able to sustain an extended maturation process due to the tighter porosity that comes with the extra wood. Maturation took place in the new hand crafted French oak barriques for a period of 36 months. The barrels were stored in their own temperature controlled, ancient stone shed. In short, no expense has been spared.
Impenetrable pitch black heart with a very deep dark red black tinged hue. Engulfing the olfactory senses are heady aromatics of blackberry, liquorice, dark plum and dark chocolate complimented by vanillin oak, earthy mocha and spice notes. Decadently rich and possessing a vintage port like density and concentration, the monumental palate is overwhelmed with lavish dark plum, dark chocolate and toasty vanillin oak flavours. Earthy mocha, traces of leather and spice also chime in. Boasting dynamite like power and a voluptuous texture it has a velvety yet muscular tannin structure. Finishes with explosive length and incredible persistence.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 15.5%

Other Reviews….
The 2020 vintage was the third in a string of dry hot years, and this was marred by disastrously low yields, owing to heat and 80 kilometers per hour winds during the flowering. The 2020 The Laird is from the Gnadenfrei vineyard in Marananga, planted in 1958. The Marananga growing area is known for producing powerful, muscular, tannic Shiraz, and I tend to find the full-throated shout of flavor and concentration to be both convincing and a little exciting. The Laird does exactly this, holding back for no person and providing no subtlety nor mystique. Tasting it, one wonders if these things are strictly necessary anyway; here, we have unbridled power and intensity, old-vine tannic thrust and a black hole of impenetrable fruit, with notes of peat, leather, peppercorns, sweet roasted meat, pan juices and forest moss. It's an iconic wine that has retained its soul and purpose over the years, decisive, distinct, potent and precise, haunting and evocative. The dry-grown vineyard has been there longer than many of the people saying it can't be done. There's something in that. 15.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. Drink 2025-2050.
98 Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

Intensely focused and powerful, with densely packed aromas of blackberries, licorice, graphite, olive tapenade, cured meat, roasted coffee beans and violets. The palate is full-bodied with firmly framed tannins and a deeply viscous yet refined mouthfeel that gives layer upon layer of cedar, bitter chocolate, walnuts and baking spices. Made from vines planted in 1958. A savory, powerful wine with a with a high level of sophistication. Drink or hold.
97 Points
JamesSuckling.com