Torbreck The Struie 2023

A lovely balance of Eden Valley spices and Barossa power and strength, with aromas of blackberries, graphite, olive tapenade, violets and purple fruit. The palate is full-bodied with a velvety texture, ultra-fine tannins and flavors of mulberries, mint, pomegranates, cured meat and dark chocolate. A silken finish for this excellent release from a cool vintage. Drink or hold.

The 2023 The Struie is a blend from Eden and Barossa, melding the higher altitude austerity and structure of Eden with the density and muscle of the Barossa. I like this wine, because if you sit with it for long enough, you can clearly see the component parts side by side. The whole makes the understanding of the parts. You get the blueberry, black cherry, licorice, crushed quartz, aniseed and dark chocolate of Eden married to the bloody, earthy, gritty muscle of Barossa. Awesome. 15% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax.

Thick, dark and concentrated – yet after opening up in the glass, the palate shows more vitality through dense, textural layers and interlocking flavours. There are familiar Torbreck signatures at play – a rich, dark roll of ripe blueberry, blackberry and dark red plum flavours, a firm lick of oak to instil rigid structure, and a clean acid line to keep the flavours bright through an especially long mid-plate journey. The harmonious flavour marriage is aided by the snap of clean, tight tannins help to define a sharp finish, and also promote a long life in the cellar.