The Steading is very much the heart and soul of Torbreck, the wine that exemplifies our philosophy and beliefs - protecting and nurturing the old vine resources of the Barossa Valley is paramount to Torbreck and this wine.

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 wine is a result of the serendipitous discovery of small remnant patches of withered ancient vines, some well over a century old, that have been carefully nurtured back to life. 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.

The Steading is a collection of 45 different sources of fruit, some from our own vineyard estates as well as from growers on a share-farming basis. These precious grapes are vinified separately and blended once their individual virtues have been assessed.

The Steading’s generous and supple flavours combine with its silken texture in a wine that defines what is possible only in the Barossa.

Torbreck is the name of a forest near Inverness, Scotland. You’ll find more than a passing nod to the Celts in our wine naming conventions including The Steading, a traditional name for a farm and its collection of barns, stables and outbuildings.

Vintage

The 2022 vintage was characterised by above average winter rains making up for a dry autumn, leading to full canopies and healthy vines for the harvest. A severe hail storm across some parts of the Valley in late October resulted in lower average yields. Slow ripening in the cooler conditions made for a gentle and drawn out vintage season, resulting in wines with higher natural acidity, rich colours and fine tannins. The wines from 2022 will reward those patient enough to cellar them away.

Deep crimson to dark plum core. Intensely lifted red and blue fruits dominate the aromas of mulberry, red plum, redcurrant and red cherry. Spices like sandalwood, cinnamon bark, and
star anise also add complexity.
The palate is more robust than past vintages with denser plusher red fruits and a silky mouthfeel and added weight that glides across the tongue. An excellent vintage to enjoy in its youth or cellar confidently for up to 10 years. Enjoy with lamb in any cuisine or an eggplant curry. Serve at 16C