Torbreck Woodcutter's Semillon 2022

Torbreck is a winery on a mission to become one of the world's great wine brands. Since 1994, they have remained committed to creating exceptional Rhone-style red and white wines that reflect the very best vineyards in Australia's famous Barossa region. Provenance is everything to them, and they believe that the Barossa is the most exciting place to make wine in the world. With a European sense of tradition, Torbreck pays tribute to the vineyards with minimal intervention, creating wines of richness, structure and length that age gracefully. The multi-generational growers, whose descendants arrived here nearly two centuries ago, are the backbone of Torbreck's winemaking aspirations. They work in partnership with the people of the Barossa who grow their fruit, always aiming to get the very best out of their vineyard sites. At Torbreck, they constantly seek to understand the difference between all of these special places in the Barossa and how this combination of soil, climate and farming experience is reflected in unique grape flavors. They are simply custodians, enhancing the innate expressiveness of the wines and enabling them to reveal over time their individual origins and personality. Torbreck is actually named after the forest near Inverness, Scotland where the winery's founder, David Powell worked as a lumberjack after completing university studies.

The winemaking style at Torbreck is meticulous and dedicated to producing exceptional wines. They use carefully selected 225-litre oak barriques for maturation, known as Dominique Laurent 'Magic Casks'. The oak is personally harvested from Forêt de Tronçais in Allier, and the staves are aged for 48 to 54 months at an exposed location for maximum seasoning. The staves are then hand-made into barrels and heated over three differing flames for several hours, resulting in a gentle toast due to the remarkable density of the wood. Torbreck's winemaking style reflects their commitment to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Barossa region.

In the heart of the Barossa Valley, Semillon has found its natural home. With a history that dates back over 160 years, this white grape variety was among the first to be planted by the early settlers. The Mediterranean climate, coupled with meticulous farming practices, has fostered a legacy of old, low-yielding Semillon vineyards, creating a unique and cherished heritage. To craft Torbreck Woodcutter's Semillon, the winemakers employ an age-old, robust, pink-skinned Madeira clone, predominantly found in the Barossa region. This particular clone adds a special touch to the wine, lending it characteristics reminiscent of the savoury, food-friendly white wines found in the central and southern regions of France. To further enhance its complexity and depth, the Woodcutter's Semillon undergoes maturation in both stainless steel tanks and seasoned French barriques. This careful aging process allows the wine to develop its distinct personality while maintaining its vibrant and fresh character. Unlike a typical lemony Semillon, Woodcutter's Semillon surprises with a more intricate aromatic profile. Its bouquet unfolds with enticing notes of smoked almonds, adding a subtle hint of nuttiness. The delicate scent of honeysuckle dances alongside, infusing the wine with floral nuances that captivate the senses.

Torbreck Woodcutter's Semillon 2022 exemplifies the natural acidity and medium body that the Semillon grape thrives upon. Drawing from the expertise of the region's 100+ year old vineyards, this wine showcases the unique characteristics that make the Barossa Valley a cherished viticultural destination. As you raise your glass to your nose, you are greeted by a symphony of lifted aromas. Fresh citrus fruits take centre stage, with vibrant notes of kaffir lime, grapefruit pith and tangerine dancing harmoniously. Intertwined with this citrus medley is an aromatic perfume of citrus flowers, adding a delicate and fragrant touch. A subtle hint of infused candlewax adds depth and intrigue to the aromatic profile. On the palate, Torbreck Woodcutter's Semillon delivers a tangy and invigorating experience. The natural acidity dances on your tongue, creating a lively and refreshing sensation. The acidity carries through, providing a cleansing finish that leaves a lasting impression. This versatile wine can be enjoyed in its youthful exuberance, showcasing its fresh and vibrant character. However, for those seeking an elevated experience, Torbreck Woodcutter's Semillon has the potential to age gracefully for up to 15 years. With time, the wine unveils delightful nuances of brioche and lemon curd pastry-like notes, adding layers of complexity and depth.

The 2022 Woodcutter’s Semillon is from two vineyards; the Schulz vineyard (Ebenezer) and Philippou vineyard (Rowland Flat), and the two patches in this latter vineyard are picked independently. (The “old” part was planted 1893, and the “young” in 1900. These are “full Madeira clones,” says Ian Hongell, meaning they’re purple/red berries—the variety has the ability to switch from green to red at veraison.) Both are sand vineyards, picked and fermented separately. 2022 was a beautiful cool season in the Barossa, and this wine here is aromatically fresh and tight. In the mouth, the wine is salty and textural—from part (40%) of the blend being matured in seasoned barriques; “texture without a phenolic fingerprint.” This has salted yellow grapefruit, lemon peel, hints of saffron, layers of green apple and a hint of spring florals. It is really good, engaging, delicious. - Erin Larkin, The Wine Advocate, 93 Points

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Semillon
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%