Torbreck The Laird Shiraz 2013

In the Scottish language, 'The Laird' refers to the Lord of the Manor. This single vineyard Shiraz comes from Malcolm and Joylene Seppelt's old Gnadenfrei vineyard in the sub-region of Marananga in the Barossa Valley.

In 2003, Malcolm asked Dave Powell if Torbreck would make the wine under contract for him. For the next two years, each time Dave gave the wine back to Malcom, he felt he was returning the best parcel of Shiraz Torbreck made from that vintage - head and shoulders above the RunRig components. Dave coveted this vineyard for 15 years before finally getting the opportunity to purchase the fruit for Torbreck in 2005.

Around the same time, Dave was also approached by the Dominique Laurent negociant house in France to purchase their barrels. These barrels are known as "Magic Casks". Normal barrique staves are between 22 and 27mm thick. These are 45mm, perfect for long term wood maturation and are made from oak exclusively from the Tronçais forest, ideal for aging Shiraz. Over the three years The Laird matures in them, these barriques give a level of oak flavour and integration Dave once thought impossible.

"Deep garnet colored, the 2006 The Laird offers a multi-faceted nose of ripe black berries, blueberry preserves and kirsch aromas with an underlying perfume of baking spices, lavender, cinnamon stick and cloves plus some savory / earthy nuances, including bacon, black tea, tobacco and forest floor. The palate is full bodied and densely packed with fruit, savory and earth flavors while supported by a firm level of very fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. It finishes very long and while already incredibly complex, promises a lot more to come." 99/100. Drink: 2014 - 2026+. The Wine Advocate.

Country: Australia
Producer: Torbreck
Region: Barossa Valley