Torbreck Old Vines GMS 2007

Torbreck
Old Vines GMS 2007
Barossa Valley, Australia
$25-28  +806588 available at BC Liquor Stores and select private liquor stores

www.torbreck.com

After a skyrocket rise to the top of the popularity charts, Australia wine has slipped substantially, choked with a cheap & cheerful cloak (read my spring 2011 report on the planned comeback). I’d like to offer my solution to those who were twice bitten (by a Little Penguin or Yellow ‘Roo) and now shy:

Drink Torbreck GMS.

Simple. And you’re welcome.

For approximately $25, this wine is a steal. Like a digging-in-your-sandbox-and-unearthing-a-sapphire find. Torbreck is a meeting of the new and the old. David Powell discovered a number of neglected old vine Barossa Valley vineyards in 1992, purchased the land and opened a winery 2 years later (new).  Though geographically in the land of ‘Oz (new world), the grapes all hail from and emulate the Rhone, France (old world) – Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro (Mourvèdre) as well as white grapes Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne. Their wines are all hand harvested, cement and wood fermented, and unfined and unfiltered (old), with focused and intense fruit, velveteen ripeness and are ready to drink now (new). When poured blind recently for a group of sommeliers, most of the room was convinced it was from the old world, and then were shocked to discover a new favourite.

This is a blend of 57% Grenache, 29% Mataro and 14% Shiraz. Aged wood and cedar spice aromas of cherry, savoury earth and crushed nutmeg welcome. The medium-full bodied red is more of the same on the palate – layers of savoury meat, dried raspberry, spice, black cherries, herbs and dusty minerality. Finesse and concentration combined, with bright acid, smooth and supple tannins and a lingering cassis finish. Beautiful now, and will continue to hold and mature over the next 3-5 years. The high rating below reflects the amazing value (remember the sapphire in your sandbox) for this – one of Torbreck’s entry-level wines. Pair with grilled meats, roasted chicken or charcuterie.

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Torbreck Old Vines GMS 2007

This is a blend of 57% Grenache, 29% Mataro and 14% Shiraz. Aged wood and cedar spice aromas of cherry, savoury earth and crushed nutmeg welcome. The medium-full bodied red is more of the same on the palate – layers of savoury meat, dried raspberry, spice, black cherries, herbs and dusty minerality. Finesse and concentration combined, with bright acid, smooth and supple tannins and a lingering cassis finish. Beautiful now, and will continue to hold and mature over the next 3-5 years. Pair with grilled pork, roasted chicken or charcuterie.