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From pre-phyloxerra vines planted in 1850, this cult wine is powerful, fresh and complex. (tiny volumes produced)
The Forebear is a premium single-vineyard wine crafted from one of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the world.
The story begins in 1849, when Samuel Springbett established the ‘Hillside’ estate on the southern edge of the Barossa Valley, near Lyndoch. By 1850, a small Shiraz vineyard was planted, marking the start of a winemaking legacy that has spanned generations and brought together multiple families.
The vineyard’s Shiraz vines trace their origins to an ancient heritage clone brought from Europe before the discovery of Phylloxera. These ancestor vines, planted over 170 years ago, thrive in unique soils of sand atop deep loam and red clay, producing fruit of exceptional character and complexity. The Forebear is made from the original 12 rows of these ancient Shiraz vines.Torbreck’s chief winemaker, Ian Hongell, and viticulturist, Nigel Blieschke, have championed this project since 2014, believing the vineyard holds a significant place in Torbreck’s portfolio of single-site wines.
The Forebear embodies this remarkable legacy, offering a timeless connection to the Barossa’s rich winemaking heritage.
Earth, mocha and black truffle to nose and attack give way to a languorous swathe of sweet plum, strawberry, kirsch and Black Forest gateau on the mid-palate, then boomerang back on a long, arcing finish as a soft web of silty, insinuating tannins seductively captures and shapes the fruit. Liquorice and smoky espresso lend spicy, smoky resonance. A singular, voluptuous expression of Hillside vineyard’s original 12 mid-19th century rows. Drink 2024 - 2040.
The winemaking process honors the land's past custodians, involving hand-harvesting, gentle processing, 24 months of aging in French barriques, followed by an additional three years of bottle maturation before release, ensuring The Forebear stands as a testament to the vineyard’s heritage and the Barossa’s winemaking tradition.
97/100 Decanter Magazine
97/100 James Suckling
97/100 Halliday's Australian Wine Companion
