Torbreck Vintners

Torbreck, under chief winemaker Ian Hongell, continues to go from strength to strength. I recently tasted through this lineup of wines scheduled for March 2019 release (the knockout 2016 RunRig will come out in June) and came away believing that the wines have never been better. That's not to slight any of his predecessors, just that with his fresh perspective, additional investments in renovating and developing vineyards (viticulturist Nigel Blieschke deserves a lot of that credit) and a renewed commitment to excellence, even the inexpensive cuvées are looking impressive. THE WINE ADVOCATE

Torbreck Vintners was already one of Australia’s best-known high quality red wine makers when, in Sept 2013, wealthy Californian entrepreneur and vintner Peter Kight (of Quivira Vineyards) acquired 100% ownership of the Torbreck business. The winemaking team, headed by Craig Isbel, supported by Scott McDonald and Russell Burns, all in place for some years, continue to make the wines. The brand structure remains as before: the top quartet led by The Laird (single vineyard Shiraz), RunRig (Shiraz/Viognier), The Factor (Shiraz) and Descendant (Shiraz/Viognier); next The Struie (Shiraz) and The Steading (Grenache/Mataro/Shiraz). JAMES HALLIDAY