Torbreck Descendant 2004
So named because everything is descended from Torbreck's top-of-the-line Shiraz-Viognier legend Torbeck Runrig, its vines, Viognier skins & barrels. ‘Descendant’ is so coined because Descendant Shiraz Viognier comes from a vineyard planted in 1994 using cuttings from a RunRig vineyard. Also, Descendant’s Shiraz(92%) component is crushed over RunRig’s Viognier(8%) pressings and the two are co-fermented, then matured for between 18 and 24 months in second-fill French barrels previously used for RunRig.
Well, the best price for Runrig in Hong Kong is in the range of $1800; this direct Descendant from Runrig is priced efectively from $900 to $1500! We believe the high cost performance of Descendant is almost too obvious to tell. Afterall, Vintage 2004 Barossa Valley scored 9 out of 10, according to Langtons’. RP score is 98!!
In a blind tasting of various Torbrecks in HKWS last year, Torbeck Descendant 2004 then opened with intense violet, blackberry, apricot (from viognier) and aniseed aromas, has rich, persistent flavours and finishes with dry, chocolaty tannins. Breathed, it is getting meaty with musky aromas of cinnamon, rubber & game. Tannins are still assertive and well-integrated. Palate-wise, the wine is clearly ‘descended’ from RunRig Torbeck recalling lots of similarities, though Runrig 2004 surely has even more ageing potential.Torbeck Descendant 2004 is at its apex and is now in full bloom.
The official website of Torbeck supported that the Torbreck Descendant is a wonderful Australian expression of the historic northern Rhône style. With a powerful nose of blackberry and tar complemented by floral lavender and a violet lift. THe 2004 is still bright and full of life with a concentrated palate with foreboding texture. Savoury edges have begun to display and is drinking wonderfully well now.
The Torbreck Descendant is a wonderful Australian expression of the historic northern Rhône style. The Descendant vineyard Shiraz expresses tar and black olive, offset wonderfully by the velvety mouth feel with the jasmine and apricot aromatics of Viognier
Aged in used French oak casks for 18 months prior to being bottled unfiltered, the 2004 Descendant is a 1,000 case blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier cropped at approximately 1.5 tons of fruit per acre. This spectacular Australian red offers an aromatic smorgasbord of honeysuckle intermixed with blackberry and creme de cassis liqueurs, licorice, coffee, and spice. There is fabulous fruit purity, tremendous intensity, and great balance with flavor, power, and elegance all combined into a riveting example of Barossa Valley wine.
Very high scores.
98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2004 Descendant, an old oak-aged blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier from a 12-year old vineyard, offers up notes of blackberries, ink, sweet truffles, and acacia flowers. There are 1,000 cases of this full-bodied, intense, rich blockbuster. It will drink well for 10-15 years. (RP) (10/2006)
96 points James Halliday
Almost impenetrable purple-red colour; marries elegance bordering on restraint with intense blackberry fruit and viognier lift; controlled oak, tannins and alcohol. Shiraz/Viognier. Grapes crushed onto Viognier skins. (2/2006)
