The product image is for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the actual characteristics of the wine. Torbreck Vintners The Laird 2008 75cl Barossa Valley | South Australia | AustraliaSold outSize 75 cl150 clAll vintages 2008 2013 2016 2017 2018 2019 Critics scores 100 Robert ParkerDeep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 The Laird is a little restrained to begin, opening out after a few moments and much coaxing to an extraordinary array of creme de cassis and black plum-based aromas with underlying chocolate box, licorice, exotic spice, oolong tea and clove hints with a touch of earthy loam. Richly textured, dense and with a provocative meaty/earthy/savory, the palate is complex and layered revealing menthol and ripe black fruit notes interplaying with firm, velvety tannins through to a very long, opulent and harmonious finish. Drink it from 2015 to 2030+. Producer Torbreck VintnersRecently established in the mid-1990s, Torbreck Vintners has climbed its way to the top of the Barossa wineries in a matter of a few years. By the turn of the century, Torbreck became one of the most respected estates in Australia. David Powell, founder and mastermind behind Torbreck, began this adventure by purchasing small parcels of rather old unirrigated and low yielding vineyards. He pieced the plots together and managed to transform the vines into top-rate growers. The resulting wine is pleasantly aromatic, structured and well-balanced. Today, Torbreck is owned by Pete Kight, and produces twenty-four wines, Runrig being his top-wine. First made in 1995, a blend of mostly Syrah accented by Viognier, Runrig can rival even the very best of Côte-Rôtie – in class, depth, and structure. A literal seed of Runrig is their wine called Descendant, made from cuttings of the Runrig vineyards, the wine is a bit more open but nonetheless comparable in intensity. While Factor, crafted in 1998, is a pure Syrah with great aging potential.