Page 1 of 1
2002 Torbreck Struie
Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 10:05 pm
by gastrorob
Opened this wine tonight with great anticipation. Alas, overtly and grossly "bretty". Undrinkable, down the gurgler it went. Then tried the 2003. Glory be, excellent, intense, complex shiraz - everything the 2002 wasn't. Any similar experiences?
Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 11:41 pm
by Billy Bolonski
Not with that vintage. But, many Struies that I have had over the years have been badly affected.
I have returned about two cases of wine all up.
As a result I do not buy this wine any more. Too many disappointments.
I hope things improve as Torbreck make some really amazing wines when they are not tainted.
Heres hoping.
Billy B
Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 12:02 am
by Gianna
Gastrorob,
I am sure it was bottle variation.
I've had 4 bottles of this wine over the last year and although I don't rate it as a clear standout wine, it was certainly not "bretty" or undrinkable.
In fact, I have found it to be an excellent Thursday or Friday night quaffer.
Try another bottle or two and you will see how it reminds you of what good SA shiraz is all about. Persist, it'll be worth it.
Value for money, the 2002 Struie is the pick of the Torbreck range IMHO.
Billy B,
I haven't had a bad Torbreck bottle yet, so you may just be unlucky...!!
Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 6:29 am
by TORB
In the late 90's and early part of this decade, Torbreck had a real Brett problem, especially with some of the less costly wines.
They have now cleaned up their act but there is Brett in some vintage of the Struie.
In a double blind line up of about 45 of the best 2002 Shiraz wines last year, here is the result with the Struie.
Wine 16 – was unveiled as Torbreck 2002 The Struie
The bouquet was loaded with Brett! Silky-smooth tannins combined with distinct, pure, deeply seated fruit that produced a lovely mouth feel and an excellent balance that was unfortunately destroyed by the Brett. Muscular-weight with a supple consistency and the solid structure, I could have cried when this wine was unveiled. My score of 13.4, group score 15.05, ranking 38 th.
The problem with Brett is that it can and does vary from bottle to bottle. Any heat, even a small amount for a short period can make it bloom too.