The Steading

On a highland farm in Scotland the collection of barns, stables and outbuildings is known as a Steading. Here in the Barossa Valley the varieties Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz all stand in their own right, however in blending, their strengths create a complex wine of solid, earthy structure. It is sourced from Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz vines that survived the worldwide phylloxera outbreak of the 1880s, and a century later, the vine-pull scheme in the Barossa in the 1980s. The protection of this old vine resource of the Barossa Valley is central to the Torbreck story and this wine, more than any other, is an indication of what is possible from these historic cultivars.

Matthew Jukes desribes the 2022 Steading perfectly:

"2022 is a sensational vintage for The Steading, and it might be the most profound release of this label to date.  The time-honoured blend of GS&M can sometimes be a confusing puzzle to fit together, but in 2022, it tastes like the puzzle pieces fused of their own accord, each edge gliding seamlessly into place and settling into the whole in perfect symmetry.  With a wet Spring and a cool Summer, this was always going to be a fascinating wine because both Grenache and Mataro adore these conditions.  Unusually, the fanfare of red/pink fruit notes is arresting, with rhubarb, cherry and raspberry tones surfing the aroma’s top notes. Beneath this frivolous exterior, a much darker and more lusty wine lurks.  There is undoubted energy here, carrying the flavour along with considerable momentum, and it flatters the drinker, seemingly ushering you to the glass with an uncommon tempo, but this is an illusion.  This troubadour attempts to woo you before time, and while it is easy to fall into its trap, try your best to resist.  Great vintages of The Steading tend to kick off after they have spent four years (not two) in the bottle, as this time is spent unlocking the deep mulberry and plum notes hidden behind the energetic acidity in the centre of the swirling, silky flavour.  This is a The Steading of considerable class, and if you have yet to join the ‘Torbreck Club’, I suggest you start here – by the time you uncork a bottle of this wine, you will be frothing with excitement, and this wine will rise to every expectation and more"

Maturation: 

20 months maturation on fine yeast lees.inlarge 4500L French oak foudre vats. Naturalmalolactic conversion occurred during time inbarrel

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Food Pairing:

Barbeque, Lamb, beef, duck and game

Pro tip: you can serve slightly chilled in the summer months, by leaving in an ice-bucket for 15 minutes

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Ratings:

18.5+/20 Matthew Jukes

93/100 Wine Enthusiast

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