Torbreck The Descendant Shiraz - Viognier is made from 91% Shiraz, 9% Viognier.
Wonderfully lifted aromatics, perfumed fresh black and red fruits complemented by spice and florals wafting from the glass. Blackcurrants, mulberry, cassis, and satsuma plum intertwine with pot-pourri, dried apricots, cloves and star anise. The palate shows the integration of dark Barossa fruits and second use RunRig French oak barriques balanced by trademark viscosity. A firm mouthfeel of fine grained tannins balanced by dense yet creamy like texture extolling the vineyard pedigree.
Pair with forest game, mushrooms or truffles.
Review:
The Descendant is a Shiraz Viognier blend, co-fermented. This year, the 2020 Descendant comprises 91% Shiraz and 9% Viognier; the vineyard is in Marananga and was planted in 1994, from cuttings form the RunRig vineyard. It matured for 20 months in second fill French oak barriques, previously used for the RunRig. In every way (price, vineyard source, cepage, maturation), this wine is a baby RunRig, although there remain some stylistic differences in the mouth. For one thing, this 2020 Descendant has been matured (as mentioned) in older oak, so the imprint of oak flavors is more subtle. While there is no denying that the texture has an extreme slick and polish (it is almost thick in the mouth, truly plush) from the high percentage of Viognier, the wine is pure and glossy and exuberantly fruit driven. The tannins, which exist very much within the wine, are savory and exotically spiced: star anise, clove, hints of cardamom, licorice, red dirt and iodine. This is very good, luxurious, enveloping, sybaritic, with lots going on.
-Wine Advocate 96 Points
Alain de la Treille Rose d'Anjou is made from 50% Gamay, 50% Grolleau
The Rosé d'Anjou AOC, also known as Anjou Rosé AOC, produces medium-sweet rosés. Wines are made predominantly from Grolleau, with percentages of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Malbec and Pineau d'Aunis permitted. Anjou soils reflect the geological identity of its border position between Armorican and Parisian basins. The terroirs consist of metamorphic and crystalline rocks (schist, sandstone) known as Anjou Noir, and ‘Terres Blanches’ (white earth) limestone known as Anjou Blanc. The AOC covers 1,890 hectares (4,668 acres).
The Grolleau grape derives its name from the French word ‘grolle’, meaning crow – a reflection of the dark black color of the grapes.
Crisp and refreshing with vibrant aromas of strawberry and raspberry. Juicy and well-balanced with a long finish.
Selective juice extraction to preserve color & aromas. Temperature controlled fermentation is followed by aging on the fine lees. No malolactic fermentation; no oak.
To be served chilled (10°C/50°F) with barbecued meats, salads, any spicy food, poultry dishes and of course appetizers.