2018TorbreckTheLairdShirazMagnum(1500ml)

Sans In Scottish terminology, ‘The Laird’ refers to the Lord of the Manor. This single vineyard Shiraz comes from an old vineyard in Marananga planted in 1958, a plot which remains the focus of envy amongst many of the region’s winemakers. Previously owned and operated by the legendary Malcolm Seppelt, the vineyard was purchased by Torbreck in 2014 and is perfectly sited with the dry grown, original Barossa clone vines facing south east. The berries are typically small and concentrated and usually harvested in two separate passes.The French oak selected for the maturation of this wine is considered to be some of the finest in the world. Referred to as Dominique Laurent’s ‘Magic Casks’, the wood is selected from the incredibly tiny and highly prized Troncais forest. The staves are hand split in the French tradition and twice as thick as machine split staves.As a result of the extra thickness the barrels are able to sustain an extended maturation process due to the tighter porosity that comes with the extra wood. Maturation took place in the new hand crafted French oak barriques for a period of 36 months. The barrels were stored in their own temperature controlled, ancient stone shed. In short, no expense has been spared.Dense inky black heart with a very deep black dark red hue. Soaring out of the glass are potent ripe blackberry, liquorice, black cherry and dark chocolate aromas that are totally intoxicating. Also chiming in are toasty vanilln oak, earthy mocha, hints of new leather and pepper. About as concentrated and powerful as a wine can get, it boasts out of this world richness, decadence and power along with a liqueur like density. Mouth coating flavours of lush blackberry, liquorice and black cherry stain the palate backed by a firm muscular tannin structure that is largely absorbed by the sheer weight of voluptuous fruit. Toasty vanillin oak, earthy mocha characters, traces of boot polish and pepper lend further complexity. Finishes exceptionally long, deep and opulent.Drink over the next 10-20 years.Alc. 15.5%