Grape Variety: 100% Shiraz

Growing Region: Barossa, Australia

Senior Winemaker: Craig Isbel

TASTING NOTE:
This 2012 Torbreck 'Woodcutter's' Shiraz was harvested from late February through until early April, with each parcel of fruit fermented in cement, wooden and stainless steel vats for 6-7 days and then basket pressed into well-seasoned hogsheads and French oak foudres for 12 months. After maturing in their cellars, then came the focused process of tasting and blending these parcels - the finished blend was bottled without the use of either fining or filtration.

This wine is continually praised for its succulent, rich nature - perhaps the wines best feature is its complexity and texture rarely found at this price. This wine reflects the vibrant nature of Barossa Shiraz - though sourced from select aged, low cropping vines, rather than the intensely firm nature of the older vine wines which are founded in Torbreck cuvee's - this has an approachable personality.

In the glass you have a deep, dark red with a garnet purple colour. On the nose the wine is not shy to express black cherries, blackberries with spice and pepper notes. On the palate this wine is full-bodied, rich and opulent, combining dark fruit purity with texture, complexity and finesse. This 2012 vintage though elegant, is well-structured and confident with balanced tannins giving you a pleasing persistent finish. A wonderful introduction to old-vine Barossa Shiraz, offering pleasure in its youth - though with time this Woodcutter's Shiraz will develop into a notable wine. Decant for 30-45 minutes and serve at 16-18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this season; and will age well for another 5-7 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine paired with prime red meats, richly flavour pasta dishes and hard cheese, enjoy.

An early drinking Barossa Shiraz with character.