Vintage Summary: The 2011 vintage in the Barossa Valley was notoriously cool and challenging, a stark contrast to the region's typical warm, powerful vintages. This season resulted in a more elegant, savory, and less-extracted style of wine, which for some critics and collectors, represents a more "European" or "Burgundian" expression of the Barossa's traditional Rhône varieties.

Professional Ratings & Consensus:

• The Wine Advocate: 90 points

• Wine Spectator: 90 points

Tasting Notes: The 2011 The Steading is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro. Given its age, it is drinking exceptionally well and has entered a mature, complex phase.

• Color: Deep ruby with a slight garnet or mahogany hue, showing subtle signs of age at the rim.

• Aroma: The nose is profoundly savory and earthy, moving away from the overt fruitiness of younger vintages. It opens with notes of dried cherries, raspberry preserves, and potpourri. As it evolves in the glass, it reveals more complex layers of truffle, saddle leather, game, five-spice, and a distinct peppery character.

• Palate: Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegant and pure. Unlike the blockbuster style Torbreck is known for in warmer years, the 2011 is more restrained and acidic. It offers a core of red berry and earthy flavors, with subtle notes of crushed cherries, cedar, and truffle. The acidity is lively, and the tannins are firm yet chewy and well-integrated. It's a structured wine with a silky texture that builds momentum and leaves a long, savoury finish.

• Cellaring: Most critics and users agree this wine is in its prime drinking window. While it has the structure to hold for a few more years, its fruit and balance are at their peak right now.

Overall Conclusion: The Torbreck The Steading 2011 is an excellent example of a cool-climate Barossa blend, showcasing the finesse and savory complexity that Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro can achieve in a difficult vintage. It is a more understated and refined expression of the brand's philosophy, offering a rewarding experience for those who appreciate a less opulent and more food-friendly style. It is a testament to the quality of Torbreck's old vine resources and their winemaking talent.