The 2006 The Struie is 100% Shiraz, sourced from cooler, hillside sites, 70% from Barossa Valley and 30% from Eden Valley with vine age ranging from 46 to 110 years. It was aged for 18 months in 20% new oak. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers a striking bouquet of lead pencil, game, mineral, blueberry compote, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a focused, elegant Shiraz with a plush texture, outstanding depth and grip, and 5-7 years of aging potential. It should drink well through 2026. Torbreck, under the leadership of owner/winemaker David Powell, remains a Barossa Valley benchmark as well as one of the world’s leading wine estates. The only cloud on the horizon concerns the winery’s ramped up production during a period of economic hard times.There are three white wines in the Torbreck portfolio.Importer: Jon Elkins, The Australian Wine Connection, Carlsbad, CA; www.torbreck.com

A blend of Shiraz from Eden Valley and the valley floor, this is both amply endowed and impressively complex. The creamy puree of raspberries is dusted with peppery spice and cocoa, leaving a savory impression on the lasting finish. Drink now–2015.——J.C.(11/1/2010)—— 93