Torbreck Descendant 2017

A blend of 93% Shiraz and 7% Viognier matured for 20 months in second fill French oak barriques previously used for Run Rig. Impenetrable inky black heart with a very deep black dark red hue. Heady dark plum, liquorice and black cherry scents roll out of the glass trailed by blueberry, smoky vanillin cedar, a faint whiff of dried apricot, earth and pepper.

Rich voluptuously textured flavours of spicy dark plum, black cherry and liquorice are layered across the palate like liquid silk. Subtle dried apricot, lightly toasted vanillin oak and pepper ensue. Velvet smooth tannins have a muscular underbelly providing a great framework. Powerful and polished with a long lavish aftertaste.

This wine offers meaty, leathery and earthy tones. Cloves, bay leaf and baked clay mingle with plump plum and cherry fruit. Oak is present but in the background. The textural tannins are granular and savory, rounded out by plush fruit. Again, the oak shows its face, as does the alcohol, but the combo of complexity and approachability this wine achieves forgives both these things.