2020 Torbreck The Struie Shiraz

A blend of Barossa Valley (80%) and Eden Valley (20%) fruit, the Barossa Valley contributes plushness and concentration whilst the Eden Valley component brings elegance and structure to the blend. The average age of vines is 50 years old and maturation takes place in a mixture of new (20%) and seasoned French oak for a period of 20 months.
Superb density of colour featuring an impenetrable inky black core with an equally deep black dark red hue. Wafting from the glass are heady scents of ripe dark plum, liquorice and blackberry which intermingle with vanillin oak, fennel, a whiff of mocha and spice. Dense, concentrated and super rich with a plump feel, the palate is drenched in a tidal wave of lavish dark plum, blackberry, blueberry and liquorice fruits which engulf every corner of the mouth. Vanillin oak, scorched earth, fennel, subtle dark chocolate and light pepper nuances flow onto the back half. Velvet smooth tannins concluding long and opulent.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews.....
If ever there was a high-octane vintage in the Barossa, it would be 2020. Warm and the second in a row of drought conditions, yields were down as much as 70% in some areas. So, to look at this inky black 2020 The Struie in the glass, the year that birthed it makes sense. As ever, a blend of Barossa and Eden, with cigar box, tobacco leaf, blackberries, mulberries, salted licorice and more density of tannin than you can poke a stick at. In the mouth, the texture is velvety and plush; however, the tannins need air to help them release the fruit as we know they will. Decant it or risk missing the best this has to offer. I would say this also: this kind of wine is what made Barossa (and by extension, Australia) famous, and the modern iteration of it here shows the big, muscly style is still valid and exciting, especially when executed with this kind of nuance and detail. Really impressive. Drink 2022-2037.
95 points
Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

The black ink and lead pencil aromas are impressive with blackberry and raspberry aromas that are intense and fresh. Full-bodied, blackberry, blueberry and crushed stone. Flavorful and chewy. Lots of center palate here. Wow. This needs time to soften. Great structure and length. Better after 2026.
98 points
JamesSuckling.com