Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours and seemed to only gain momentum until the last sip. The 1993 Octavius pours a deep ruby/purple color with an opaque core moving towards a slightly garnet rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated black and blue fruits: blackberries, plums, blueberries, leather, graphite, black olive, dried purple flowers, dried green herbs, a mix of decomposing organic and inorganic earth, along with some gentle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, luxurious and savory with loads of umami. This represented one of the older Australian wines I've ever had and I thought it was fantastic. Drink now through 2033. — 6 days ago

Doug Powers

9.1

[45% Shiraz, 32% Grenache, 23% Mataro] Rich, ripe dark and red fruits, nicely balanced, ripe tannins, drinking very well tonight, medium-long finish, very good, and should age another 5+ years! — a month ago

with Jim

James Everhart

9.1

Outstanding value at $16. Good body and acidity with floral notes. — 2 months ago

Marcus Chacos

8.9

Wow, amazing taste, aroma, and colour. It's an excellent wine and we'dhappilyhaveitagain. — 2 months ago

Tom Garland

9.4

+1 hour decant(some fine/cloudy sediment). A splendid still deep dark ruby red color. On the nose: brambly dark cherry, mocha Java, worn leather, floral, cloves. Taste: silky, layered, savory mouthfeel wine with dark plum/cherry, dark currants, dark chocolate, graphite, and a peppery dried herb, dusty tannin long finish. YUM! Should drink well for more years. — 7 days ago

with Brenda

Luke McGee

9.6

In me dad’s for mum’s anniversary. Unbelievable wine. Wasn’t expecting me dad to open this one. Strong dark chocolate and dark fruit. Proper special — a month ago

Paula Strebig

8.9

Deep burgundy, moderate legs, medium body. (First half of the bottle) Subtle Raspberry with hints of pipe tobacco on the nose. Smooth, easy sipping, mild red fruit with smooth tannins on the finish. I want to think there is a touch of spiciness on the finish but I suspect it is the mouth feel of the tannins and not a spicy flavor. (Grilled top sirloin, cheese stuffed portobello mushrooms, broccoli with queso sauce - another lovely dinner on the lanai!) Great label! — 2 months ago

with Tim

Doug Powers

8.9

Diesel/petrol, lovely Riesling fruit, I know this is way too young to drink, but the bottle looked like it wanted to be drunk today!! — a month ago

with Jim

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Woodcutter is entry level for Torbreck. For just under $20, a very good Shiraz for the money.

This is young and full throttle. Alcohol seems hotter than 15%. But their reds need time.

Lots of ripe; mulberries, blackberries to pie, gooseberries, black raspberries & dark candied black cherries. Anise into black licorice, sweet tarriness, black ground pepper, fresh tobacco, leather, barrel shavings, dark spice, vanilla, clove, nutmeg, dry crushed rocks, red flowers, lavender, violets, full round acidity and nicely balanced, big tensioned, well structured, lush, elegant, well polished finish that lasts 90 seconds and falls on spice and pleasant earthiness.

It needs to shed its baby fat. Let rest another 3-5 years before opening. In Australian Shiraz hard to beat at this price point. — a month ago

David Dorn

9.3

Beautiful wine! Wow!
— 2 months ago