Torbreck

The Laird Shiraz

• 

  Vintage 2016
  97 points

Very deep, dark red colour with some purple tinges, almost unctuous
in the glass. The bouquet is distinctively different to the other Torbreck
reds: Dark chocolate, brown spices, dried flowers, freshly-turned
earth and a hint of nutmeg. A wide range of spices. Mocha, darkchocolate-coated black cherries, the palate full-bodied and quietly
massive, invading the entire mouth and leaving multi-layered flavours
that last and last. A lot of oak has been soaked up by this wine, but,
while it certainly influences the style, it’s in balance. An impressive wine
indeed. (3 years in Dominique Laurent Magic casks.

• 

  Vintage 2016
  98 points

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