Viniou Reviews
The Torbreck "The Struie" 2017 from Barossa Valley is a red wine that embodies the best characteristics of Australian Shiraz. Crafted from 100% Shiraz grapes sourced from both the Barossa and Eden Valleys, the wine beautifully marries the power and richness of Barossa fruit with the finesse and lift from the slightly cooler Eden Valley sites. The 2017 vintage in South Australia featured a mild growing season, leading to a natural balance between ripeness and acidity. The wine is vinified with meticulous attention to preserve the varietal's vibrant fruit while adding complexity through maturation in French oak barriques, which bestows subtle spice and seamlessly integrated tannins.
Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its distinctive old-vine Shiraz. The region's Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool nights, provides an ideal environment for full ripening while maintaining freshness. The soils are predominantly red-brown earths with good drainage, fostering deep-rooted vines that yield fruit packed with concentration and flavour. Barossa's vinous history stretches back to the 1840s, and today it is a symbol of both innovation and tradition, producing wines revered for their bold character and ageing potential.
The Torbreck The Struie 2017 pairs splendidly with rich, robust dishes. Think of grilled ribeye steak, slow-cooked lamb shanks with rosemary and garlic, or venison in a red wine reduction. For a regional touch, try pairing it with a classic Australian beef pie or barbecued kangaroo fillet — the wine’s depth and spiciness complement savoury, umami-rich foods perfectly. Aged hard cheeses such as mature cheddar or aged Gouda would also make a fine match.
For the optimal tasting experience, serve the wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour before serving will allow its layered aromas of blackberry, plum, and liquorice, interwoven with pepper, eucalyptus, and subtle oak, to fully unfold in the glass. Enjoy now or cellar for another decade to appreciate its further evolution.
