Torbreck The Struie 2019

Always a blend of fruit from the Barossa and Eden Valleys, Torbreck's 2019 The Struie is almost entirely Barossa Valley, with only 8% coming from the Eden Valley. Aged in 20% new French oak for 20 months, it's very dark in the glass, with aromas of pencil shavings, blueberries and baking spices. Full-bodied and even more intense than the impressive 2018, it remains supple and smooth from start to finish, where hints of licorice and warmth emphasize the wine's ripeness.

The best value The higher, tighter acid line, lifted violets and minerality speak of the Eden Valley component (8%) and the Barossa Valley’s elevated Western Ranges. Palate-staining crushed bilberry, blackberry, blackcurrant and raspberry and complex bitter chocolate, mocha, graphite and saline layers. Abundant but fine, sinewy tannins foreclose on the finish. Intense and still coming together, with great potential.

This vintage of The Struie is almost entirely from the Barossa, with 8% Eden Valley fruit. The hot, dry growing year has resulted in a concentrated but sleek bottling with good cellaring potential. Vivid aromas of freshly crushed bramble berries mingle with violets, scrubby herbs, spices and chocolate. The mouthfeel is supple and fruit driven, supported by fine yet muscular tannins. Drink now–2037.

A bold Struie with only a small inclusion of Eden Valley material, this has rich, blackberry and tar aromas, as well as a herbal edge. Very fleshy palate with long, fully formed tannins carrying blackberry and toasty oak spice at the finish. Drink or hold.