2023 Torbreck Descendant

Rich, large scaled and voluptuously textured with a muscular feel across the powerful finish.

From a single vineyard planted in 1994 using cuttings from Run Rig vineyards, Descendant is a co-fermented blend of 96% Shiraz and 4% Viognier matured for 20 months in second fill French oak barriques previously used for Run Rig.
Ultra dense pitch black heart with an equally deep dark red black hue. Potent liquorice, dark plum and black cherry scents engulf the olfactory senses trailed by some smoky oak, subtle dried apricot, black olive and peppered earth notes. Rich, large scaled and voluptuously textured, the palate is completely saturated with exotic dark plum, liquorice, black cherry and dried apricot fruits. Vanillin cedar, scorched earth and blackpepper elements lie underneath. A sturdy tannin backbone imparts a muscular feel across the powerful, lavish finish.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews…..
The 2023 Descendant is a single-vineyard wine composed of co-fermented Shiraz (96%) and Viognier. The vineyard was planted in 1994 for Torbreck, and the old cuttings used for the planting were from great old heritage blocks around the district. Aromatically, the wine is classically Descendant—meaty, floral, savory and earthy, with mineral tannins and sandalwood as well. There is a fresh juniper character alongside the dark fruit. The intensity of tannin endures long beyond the flavor. The cool season has birthed a wine of great concentration and length, which demands time. 15% alcohol, sealed under natural cork. Drink 2026-2043.
96+ Points
Erin Larkin – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate