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.

Let rest another 3-5 years before opening. In Australian Shiraz hard to beat at this price point. — 2 days ago

Jeroen Koenen

9.3

Clean apple and peach notes, some oaky/resinous funk. After an hour hints of matchstick and toast occur.
Very Nice.

Gaining complexity and depth after extended aeration. Up a notch, — 3 days ago

Ted

9.1

Cranberry with fresh herbs and lavender. Big and bold. Vino volo DTW purchase. — 24 days ago

with Jeni

Bob McDonald

9.4

As you can see from my previous Delectable notes I normally drink Mollydooker reds, particularly Carnival of Love, on cold nights in Winter. This certainly worked. Aromatics of black plum and other black fruits. The palate is ripe, sweet and full bodied - quite thick and textured. Has come together somewhat after 15 years but still a very powerful McLaren Vale Shiraz. Jeb Dunnuck’s comment of “full bore and hedonistic “ sums it up. This was the #2 wine in Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2012. — 7 days ago

Andy Thomson

10

Does not get any better. Lived up to expectations. Shared with English friends George & Janet — 2 months ago

with Cheryl

Bob McDonald

9.2

Penfolds reds like this age at glacial pace even from a not so great vintage like 2007. Not much change after 5 years. Red and black fruits- choc/mocha - good concentration - tannins starting to soften after 18 years. Could keep cellaring up to 2030 and beyond. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

A pale lemon yellow in colour - quite youthful looking for a 12 year old Chardonnay. Aromatics of white peach - mealy and nutty notes, still with a nice acid cut at the finish. Drinking at its peak. Fuller than some Marg River Chardonnays I’ve had lately like Xanadu and Fraser Gallop. I have had richer Art Series Chardonnays but personally I love the balance in this. — a month 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! — 8 hours ago

with Jim

Debra Copeland, WSET3, CSWS

9.1

Ripe blackberry jam, black fruits, violets and milk chocolate on the nose and palate. Light notes of leather and smoke are also present. Should pair well with mint & cumin lamb chops. — 8 hours ago

Joe DAscoli

9.7

Wow. Just wow

It starts off kinda like a deep and dark Rhône wine with a sweetness and kirsch like flavor but then in the palate it just explodes about 4-5 second later and there is a whole different level of expression.

Wine was best at about 1.5-2 hour decant and actually better without food. — a month ago