There are some decent Australian blends of these noble Rhone Valley varietal divas around but nothing as yet compares to the synergistic trifecta that Barossa Valley's Torbreck Woodcutters brings to the table. Better known for their unsurpassed stable of red wines and on the success of The Steading Blanc, the Torbreck Woodcutters is - you know I can't resist - a cut above the rest and a delicious revelation !
A 61/21/16 blend, it's mid straw to gold in colour. The nose offers up lifted floral fragrances, apricot and honeysuckle. The fusion draws on the strength of each component variety. The Roussanne does the hard lifting here with its textural backbone and weight while the Viognier provides the apricot and floral aromas and the Marsanne, palate richness and secondary aromas.
The palate experience is quite remarkable. Rich and dry initially, flavours of honey, candied fruit, clotted cream, doughy less, cashews and notes of flint. The fruit flavours match the bouquet. It sits in the medium-bodied range, seamless and silky, but not flabby in texture.
A big flavoursome white wine. Slippery, poised and very drinkable. Feminine, masculine, seductive, beguiling, decadent, powerful yet elegant with a fresh length at the finish. Has developed alluring complexity with age but not a flamboyant in your face wine.
If there is an opportunity, do something I don't often say. Buy ! Highly Recommended.
Source: Retail Purchase. ABV: 14.5%. Closure: Screwcap. Price: $21.50. Rating: 94 Points.
Website: http://www.torbreck.com/
