2014 Torbreck, The Steading Blanc, Barossa Valley, Australia

Inspired by the rich, luscious & mineral scented dry whites of the Rhone Valley, Torbreck Steading Blanc is sourced entirely from the Descendant Vineyard. Made from 44% Marsanne, 32% Roussanne, 24% Viognier. A blend of Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne, the Steading Blanc pays homage to the great whites of the Rhone Valley. Peach, apricot, almonds and honeysuckle on the nose, with a mineral seam across the palate. Very silky, this will develop with a year or two in the cellar. A fine tribute.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

According to Robert Parker, “Torbreck remains a Barossa Valley benchmark, as well as one of the world’s greatest wine estates.” The wines of Torbreck have a very strong Berry Bros. & Rudd staff following. We whole heartedly agree with Robert Parker (above) and Neal Martin when he says “….this is one of my favourite Australian wines, big and bold like many others, but each wine imbued with its own individuality.”

Torbreck is one of the most iconic estates in Australia and they craft a large yet quality-driven portfolio ranging from the deliciously dry Steading blanc and juicy Cotes du Rhone styled “Cuvee Juveniles” to the vinous colossi that are “RunRig” and “The Laird”. Balance is the key to these wines. This is a quality that often eludes the wines from hotter regions such as the Barossa Valley. With only good soil and middle age vines it is easy to make blockbuster reds in the Barossa; what is very difficult is to make wines with power combined with balance, lift and purity that comes with the very best old vines. It is this balance of power and purity that is the hallmark of Torbreck wines and, quite simply, this is why we like them so much. All the wines are impressive, and the estate deserves all the praise it gets.