Torbreck The Steading Gsm 2024 750ml

“Old vine Barossa GSM with red cherry, plum, exotic spice and serious depth.”

Torbreck The Steading GSM 2024 is one of those wines that reminds you why Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro have been getting along so well in the Barossa for generations.

The 2024 is a blend of 57% Grenache, 33% Shiraz and 10% Mataro, sourced from vineyards ranging from around 40 to 150 years old. Red cherry, red plum and redcurrant lead the way, followed by star anise, fennel, sarsaparilla and Chinese five spice. The palate is generous and concentrated, but there is freshness underneath all that fruit, along with fine chalky tannins and plenty of savoury detail.

This is proper Barossa red, but it is not simply about being big. Grenache brings perfume and juicy red fruit, Shiraz adds depth and Mataro brings savoury structure. At 15.5% it is certainly not pretending to be shy, but there is enough balance and freshness to carry the weight.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Red cherry, red plum and redcurrant with star anise, fennel seed, sarsaparilla and exotic spice.

Palate: Medium to full bodied with generous red fruit, savoury complexity, fine acidity and firm chalky tannins.

Finish: Long and structured with lingering plum, red berries, anise and savoury spice.

Serving Suggestions

This is crying out for lamb. Try it with slow roasted lamb shoulder, grilled lamb cutlets or a rich lamb ragu.

Torbreck also recommends eggplant curry, which makes plenty of sense with the wine's combination of red fruit and exotic spice. Serve at around 16°C and give it a little time in the glass.

About The Winery

Torbreck was founded in the Barossa Valley with a strong focus on protecting the region's remarkable old vine resources. The Steading sits at the heart of that philosophy, bringing together Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro from numerous vineyard sites across the Barossa. Some of the vines used for the 2024 are up to 150 years old.

The name Torbreck comes from a forest in Scotland, while a Steading is the traditional Scottish term for a farm's collection of barns, stables and outbuildings. There is a fair bit of Scotland in the branding

Cellaring Potential

There is plenty to enjoy now, particularly if you like the exuberant red fruit and spice of young Grenache based blends.

Torbreck recommends cellaring for up to 12 years, while Halliday Wine Companion's Dave Brookes gives the 2024 a drinking window extending to 2041.

Collector’s Note

The 2024 vintage specifically has received an impressive set of reviews:

95 Points: Andrew Caillard and Jeni Port, The Vintage Journal
94 Points: Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion
94 Points: Jamie Goode, Wine Anorak
93 Points: Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
19/20: Matthew Jukes

For a wine Torbreck describes as the heart and soul of the estate, the 2024 has arrived with a fairly convincing report card.

Details

Producer: Torbreck Vintners
Vintage: 2024
Blend: 57% Grenache, 33% Shiraz, 10% Mataro
Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Bottle Size: 750ml
Wine Style: Barossa GSM Red Blend
Wine Sweetness: Dry
Wine Body: Medium to Full Bodied
ABV: 15.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Vine Age: Approximately 40 to 150 years
Key Flavours: Red Cherry, Red Plum, Redcurrant, Star Anise, Fennel, Sarsaparilla, Exotic Spice