Descendant

92% Shiraz, 8% Viognier James Sucklin 97 Punkte: A wine that really sits at the heart of the Torbreck DNA with plenty of blackberries and plums. Graphite and dark chocolate, too. There’s a beautifully exotic peppery and spicy edge here. The co-fermented viognier really is exceptional. The length and build on the palate is phenomenal and the weight of tannin is convincing, all thick and velvety. A blend of 94% shiraz and 6% viognier. Drink or hold. Parker-Czerwinski 97 Punkte: A blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier aged in second fill barriques (all French oak), the 2016 Descendant features lovely floral aromas, accented by blueberries and a hint of apricot. On the palate, it's full-bodied, rich and creamy in texture, hugely mouthfilling yet somehow without excessive weight or heat, while the plush, velvety finish adds a hint of dark chocolate. It's a terrific success at a still-reasonable price for the quality.