Torbreck Shiraz Run Rig

Description

The Highland clans used a RunRig system to distribute land amongst their clansmen in a series of widely dispersed holdings. The emphasis not on any one farm, but rather the communal element of the whole. Shiraz from old dry grown vineyards is blended with Viognier, complementing the strengths and complexities of these individual parcels of fruit, whilst giving the resulting wine a further dimension.The RunRig has often drawn comparison with the beautifully fragrant & tautly structured wines produced from the steep slopes of the Northern Rhone Valleys Appellation of Cote Rotie.With the decision made not to release any of our top cuvees from the 2011 Vintage the 2012 becomes the highly anticipated follow up to 2010 RunRig.2012 will undoubtedly go down as one of the great vintages the Barossa Valley has ever experienced. The Vintage is dirt driven in that there was no serious weather event that pulled the flavor profiles of the wines either way. The cool weather conditions and resulting slow ripening period allowed us to pick each vineyard at simply perfect aromatic ripeness.These lifted aromatics are released as soon as the wine is opened with layers of raspberries, apricots and creme de cassis cloaking subtle hints of black olive and cherry. A dark, rich and silky palate with deep red cherry fruits, clove, lavender & licorice all interwoven with hints of sweet spice and cinnamon. The layers and diverse fruit characters continue to evolve in the glass with plum, hints of almond, earth, blackberry and pepper all becoming more apparent as the wine evolves in the glass.A complete assemblage with highly expressive fruit, fragrant aromatics, imposing length and impeccable balance. The 2012 RunRig will certainly reward those with patience.Fermentation Each of the six parcels of fruit were gently de-stemmed into both wooden & concrete open top fermenters where they were carefully nurtured for 6-7 days on skins. After basket pressing the wine was run directly into both new 50% and 2nd and 3rd fill French barriques to complete natural malo. The wine was then racked after six months, but left on fine lees throughout maturation to enhance texture. After 30 months the Shiraz components were blended into tank and a bench trial was conducted to determine the final percentage of Viognier. – Torbreck