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. — 12 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of blackberry, tar, forest floor and black licorice. Flavors of dark plum, blackberry, dark chocolate, baking spices and black cherry. Long velvety finish, balanced acidity and smooth tannins. Fruit forward and bombastic, but also nicely textured and somewhat savory. Excellent value. — 8 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured, enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1998 “Command” pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. Definitely some fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and mostly dried black and red fruits: brambles, blueberries, blackberries, dates, grilled meat, leather, purple flowers, marjoram, earth and soft baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (mostly integrated) and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with the addition of an umami/Maillard reaction sort of thing giving a rich, savory finish. Drink now as it’s in slow decline. — 10 months ago

David White

9.3

At 12 years this has matured nicely, deep purple near black with dark berries aromas, mellowed tannins and although 14% abv it’s well integrated and leads to long lasting finish.
A great Barossa Shiraz — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Everything about this wine is DARK. Deep ruby/purple color bordering on black. Aromas of black and blue fruit, Asian spices and coffee. Flavors of cooked black berry/plum/currant fruit, bakers chocolate, tar and espresso. Hint of black pepper on the long, lingering and silky finish. Extremely concentrated with lively acidity. Tannins are firm but in harmony. This is a wine you quickly take notice of. Probably at (or just past) its peak. Thanks for the wonderful gift, Petey P! — 4 months ago

Paul Secombe

9.1

Beautiful aged Shiraz .. paired with a calzone rustico. Smoky mint and earthy dark berries. — 10 months ago

Jan de Weerd

9.8

Concentrated extract. Nearly pitch black in the glass. Takes an hour to come to complete expression with layers of dark red fruit of cherry and plum soaked in spice. Remained very centered on the palette and settled in a complex, layered finish. Since we have been in Australia for more than six weeks I have to use the cricket lingo: this wine was all about ‘Lane and Length’. Much, much enjoyed it. Blew my head off. — 2 years ago

with Tammy

Lev Lavrichtchev

9.3

May 2025: PnP, very solid, bold, and dense. At peak. Black fruit. Awesome! — 7 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Blend of Grenache (65%), Shiraz (20%) and Mataro (15%). Bright garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red berries, dried violets, dried earth and cedar. Complex flavors of dried cherries and raspberries, red currants, black tea, Asian spices, black olives and tobacco. Long lasting savory and tangy finish. Silky texture, well balanced acidity and nicely integrated soft tannins. — 2 months ago

Kenneth

9.3

Full body, high acidity, deep ruby, high tannin , fine tannin, super smooth, good structure, dark fruit, black berry, blue berries, plum, chocolate, good finish. Good aroma, — a year ago