Winemaker Notes
The Struie is a wonderfully aromatic and deeply concentrated wine produced from the harmonious combination of both regions, delivering layers of dark chocolate characters and defining structure. Nuances of plum, blackberries, violets and hidden spice characters all further enhance the natural elegance and tension of the fruit quality.
Pairs well with grilled or roast beef, ribs, spicy sausage, big beefy stews, strong or hard cheese.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of Shiraz from the Barossa and Eden Valleys, Torbreck's 2016 The Struie brings hints of cracked pepper and mint together with big blueberry fruit, and somehow those turn savory by the long, tannic finish. It's full-bodied and firmly structured, wonderfully aromatic and intoxicatingly complex, and it represents a terrific value in the Torbreck lineup.
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Tasting Panel
This cuvée of 100% Shiraz combines fruit from the Barossa Valley’s Western Ranges and a single vineyard in the Eden Valley, which gives it its backbone. Aged 20 months in new and seasoned French oak, it imparts a fragrance of ripe, peppered plum and violet that’s mirrored on the palate, accompanied by new leather and bittersweet dark chocolate. The effect is savory and juicy, with blackberry concentration.
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Wine Spectator
Shows an appealing floral overtone to the polished blueberry and blackberry flavors at the core, highlighted by black tea, sandalwood and Kalamata olive notes, lingering on the long, fragrant finish. Shiraz. Drink now through 2028.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Historically and presently the most important wine-producing region of Australia, the Barossa Valley is set in the Barossa zone of South Australia, where more than half of the country’s wine is made. Because the climate is very hot and dry, vineyard managers work diligently to ensure grapes reach the perfect levels of phenolic ripeness.
The intense heat is ideal for plush, bold reds, particularly Shiraz on its own or Rhône Blends. Often Shiraz and Cabernet partner up for plump and powerful reds.
While much less prevalent, light-skinned varieties such as Riesling, Viognier or Semillon produce vibrant Barossa Valley whites.
Most of Australia’s largest wine producers are based here and Shiraz plantings date back as far as the 1850s or before. Many of them are dry farmed and bush trained, still offering less than one ton per acre of inky, intense, purple juice.