Description
This single vineyard wine was planted by Dave Powell in 1994 with cuttings off old RunRig vineyards - some of the oldest genetic material in Australia. The Barossa's first co-fermented Shiraz/Viognier, Descendant has been joined by many more in the last couple of years - a testament to its success.
The deep red clay soils in this vineyard produce fruit which is very savory, textured and rich, a satin-like texture and a glorious perfume. Of all the Torbreck releases this is one that really needs patience.
(Torbreck is named after a forest in Scotland where David Powell worked as a lumberjack.)
Reviews..
“Super-intense and powerful, but retains that touch of finesse which is the mark of Torbreck. Lush blackberry fruit with twists of licorice, earth and spice; lingering finish.” James Halliday
"The fruit is sourced from the section of the Barossa Valley known as Marananga. The Viognier and Shiraz are co-fermented together, and the name, Descendant, comes the fact that it is essentially the same blend as the famed Run Rig, but sees no new oak. A magnificent effort, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2002 Descendant offers gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries, raspberries, licorice, acacia flowers, and the added notes of honeysuckle and apricots from the Viognier. Full-bodied and opulently textured, with good tannin, structure, purity, and a broad, expansive finish that lasts nearly a minute" Robert Parker
There are 1,000 cases of the 2002 Descendant, a blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier that spent 18 months in 2-year-old French oak. The fruit is sourced from the section of the Barossa Valley known as Marananga. The Viognier and Shiraz are co-fermented together, and the name, Descendant, comes the fact that it is essentially the same blend as the famed Run Rig, but sees no new oak. A magnificent effort, the dense ruby/purple-coloured 2002 Descendant offers gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries, raspberries, liquorice, acacia flowers, and the added notes of honeysuckle and apricots from the Viognier. Full-bodied and opulently textured, with good tannin, structure, purity, and a broad, expansive finish that lasts nearly a minute, it needs 1-2 years of cellaring, and should keep for 12-15+.
Score: 96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
Maturity: 2005-2019+
31 October 2004
Tremendously aromatic, with spicy, leafy, floral and gamy character wrapping around a core of dark, brooding fruit, turning leaner and less generous in the mouth, finishing with a nice mineral touch. There's a lot going on, but it never quite breaks out-maybe with cellaring? Shiraz with 8 per cent Viognier. Best after 2007. 700 cases made.
Score: 91
Winespectator.com, Wine Spectator
Maturity: 2007+
15 September 2004
Roasted black cherry syrup on the nose, along with an exotic hint of apricot from the viognier. Sappy and fruit-driven, with liqueur-like
flavours of black cherry and black raspberry. Densely packed and sweet. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins that turned a bit dry with aeration.
Score: 90
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 July 2004
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United Kingdom