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The Laird 2016 1800cl

Barossa Valley | South Australia | Australia
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2016
Critics scores
98 Robert Parker
Torbreck's 2016 The Laird is just being released after its extended time in barrel. I'm still unconvinced by the élevage, as the wood seems to have the upper hand, marking the nose with scents of smoke, cedar, menthol and baking spices. Yes, there's ample underlying fruit—mulberries and Italian plums—but it all takes on a slightly dessert-like cast that's only partially balanced by lingering hints of black olives, licorice and caramelized meat on the extended finish. Give this another few years in bottle so the oak-imparted notes further meld with the fruit and form a more complete, harmonious whole.
96 Wine Spectator
This extraordinary wine is complex and distinctive, with aromatic sandalwood and mahogany details, black walnut and coffee liqueur accents, and thick, plush notes of blackberry and cassis at the core. The details keep coming on the velvety finish, where fresh spearmint, gingerbread and toasted cumin notes linger. Shiraz. Drink now through 2047.
Producer
Torbreck Vintners

Recently established in the mid-1990s, Torbreck Vintners has climbed its way to the top of the Barossa wineries in a matter of a few years. By the turn of the century, Torbreck became one of the most respected estates in Australia. David Powell, founder and mastermind behind Torbreck, began this adventure by purchasing small parcels of rather old unirrigated and low yielding vineyards. He pieced the plots together and managed to transform the vines into top-rate growers. The resulting wine is pleasantly aromatic, structured and well-balanced. Today, Torbreck is owned by Pete Kight, and produces twenty-four wines, Runrig being his top-wine. First made in 1995, a blend of mostly Syrah accented by Viognier, Runrig can rival even the very best of Côte-Rôtie – in class, depth, and structure. A literal seed of Runrig is their wine called Descendant, made from cuttings of the Runrig vineyards, the wine is a bit more open but nonetheless comparable in intensity. While Factor, crafted in 1998, is a pure Syrah with great aging potential.