Torbreck Vintners ‘The RunRig’ 2023

Please note: These wines are all offered ‘in bond’ and are expected to arrive in the UK in Jan/Feb 2027.

The Highland clans used a ‘RunRig’ system to distribute land amongst their clansmen in a series of widely dispersed holdings. The emphasis was not on any one farm but rather the communal element of the whole. Shiraz from old dry grown vineyards is blended with Viognier, complementing the strengths and complexities of these individual parcels of fruit, whilst giving the resulting wine a further dimension.

The 2023 growing season brought above-average rainfall in winter and spring and a cooler summer. The majority of the harvest took place in the colder months, and most vineyards were not harvested until April, approximately one month later than usual. The vintage resulted in low-yielding and resilient fruit. The upside, however, to a cool season is far greater, and producers and wine enthusiasts alike hold these seasons in high regard.

Intense core with a deep purple rim. A more subtle RunRig than from the warmer years with a tighter aromatic frame. The wine immediately offering distinguishable finesse and power yet with precision and focus. There is lifted satsuma plum, blackcurrant, dried rose petals and black cherry along with graphite dark cocoa, Turkish delight, star anise, and subtle hints of black olive which combine with gorgeous yet restrained notes of vanilla pod, sandalwood and black tea aromas. The palate is dense, firm and powerful yet holds incredibly balanced fruit intermingled with voluminous structure.