Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz / 2023 / 375mL

Description:

The Torbreck Woodcutter's Shiraz 2023 is a generous, dark-fruited Barossa Valley Shiraz in a 375mL half bottle, built on black cherry and plum with a savoury, earthy edge. It is Barossa Shiraz in its everyday guise — warm and open, but with enough tannin and lift to keep it honest.

Aromatically the wine leads with satsuma plum, blackberry and black cherry, then turns spicier: licorice, bay leaf, clove and a twist of black pepper. The palate follows the nose closely, fleshy through the middle, with a smoky, iron-like savouriness sitting under the fruit.

Tannins are fine-grained and slightly grippy, framing the fruit rather than drying it out, and there is a fresh acid line that stops the richness settling. The finish is long and a touch earthy, leaving dark berry and spice behind.

Pair the Woodcutter's Shiraz with lamb shoulder, a rare porterhouse, sticky pork ribs, mushroom risotto or a wedge of aged cheddar. The half bottle earns its keep on a weeknight — one solid glass each for two, or a proper glass for one, without opening a full bottle you will not finish. It also travels well in a picnic basket or a hotel room.

Drink the Barossa Valley Shiraz now and over the next four to five years. Remember that a 375mL matures faster than the 750mL of the same wine, so this format is best enjoyed on the earlier side.