The Highland clans used a ‘RunRig’ system to distribute land amongst their clansmen in a series of widely dispersed holdings. The emphasis was not on any one farm but rather the communal element of the whole. Shiraz from old dry grown Barossa vineyards is blended with Viognier, complementing the strengths and complexities of these individual parcels of fruit, whilst giving the resulting wine a further dimension. RunRig has often drawn comparison with the beautifully fragrant and tautly structured wines of Côte-Rôtie in the Northern Rhône.

The 2021 Vintage

The 2021 summer growing season was mild, with even and cool daily temperatures throughout. Enhanced by good rains during the winter and spring of 2020, the vineyards grew wonderful canopies and developed well-formed grape bunches. As a result of this long flavour development cycle in the vineyard, 2021’s signature is wines of high aromatic lift with densely coloured tints and exceptional balance.

Tasting Note

Dark aubergine core with a deep purple rim. Enthralling aromatics are immediate, offering distinguishable finesse and power yet with precision and focus. The lifted satsuma plum, black currant and dark cherry along with espresso and cocoa, Turkish delight, star anise, earl grey tea and black olive combine with gorgeous plumes of subtle vanilla pod, sandalwood and mild cardamom aromas. The palate is dense, firm and powerful yet holds incredibly balanced fruit intermingled with voluminous structure. One of the better RunRigs from such a balanced and even growing season. A wine for the cellar, best after 2025–2060. Serve at 16°C with rich flavoured cuisines.

Technical Details

• Variety: 98% Shiraz, 2% Viognier
• Vineyards: 6 old-vine vineyards, assemblage
• Sub-regions: Lyndoch, Rowland Flat, Moppa, Ebenezer, Light Pass, Greenock
• Harvest: 5 March – 10 April 2021
• Maturation: 30 months in new (50%), second and third fill French oak barriques, completing natural malolactic fermentation in barrel and resting on fine lees
• Alcohol: 15.5%
• Cellaring: Best after 2025–2060 (30+ years)

Large-format bottles in Torbreck’s cellar release have never left the Torbreck cellar and are wax sealed by the winery once ordered, to ensure the cork is in perfect condition.

Vintage report, tasting note and technical details: Torbreck Vintners, 2021 RunRig technical sheet (torbreck.com).

Vintage 2021 | 1500mL Magnum | Barossa Valley, South Australia.