Freddy R. Troya

10

Torbreck RunRig Shiraz–Viognier 2021
Barossa Valley, South Australia 🇦🇺

Overview: 
A monumental Barossa Rhône-inspired powerhouse blend of approximately 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier, delivering extraordinary depth, concentration, and architectural structure while retaining aromatic lift and finesse. This is Barossa at its most commanding yet disciplined, massive fruit density wrapped in precision, energy, and length. A wine that commands attention, rewards contemplation, and delivers relentless momentum from first sip to finish.

Aromas & Flavors: 
Explosive black plum, blackberry compote, cassis, and dark cherry saturate the nose, layered with violets, smoked spice, cocoa nib, graphite, and subtle savory meat tones. The palate unfolds in waves of black fruit intensity, crushed stone minerality, licorice, espresso, and warm spice, finishing long, deep, and persistently resonant.

Mouthfeel: 
Full-bodied, muscular, and impeccably structured with commanding tannins that feel polished rather than aggressive. Immense mid-palate density is balanced by freshness and lift, creating a sense of power without heaviness. The texture is authoritative, layered, and built for long-term evolution.

Food Pairings: 
Dry-aged ribeye or wagyu. Slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary and garlic. Venison with black cherry reduction. Smoked brisket. Aged hard cheeses such as Comté, Manchego, or aged Gouda.

Verdict: 
A truly elite expression of modern Barossa Shiraz, concentrated, complex, and unapologetically serious while remaining beautifully balanced and energetic. This is a reference-point wine that delivers immediate impact and exceptional cellar potential.

Did You Know?: 
RunRig is sourced from some of Barossa’s oldest and most revered Shiraz vineyards, with Viognier co-fermented in the traditional Northern Rhône style to enhance aromatic complexity, texture, and freshness.

🍷 Personal Pick: 
This wine completely captured my heart 100%, layered, commanding, and dangerously irresistible. One of those bottles that makes restraint impossible and reminds you why great wine can be genuinely emotional. A true benchmark experience.
— 4 months ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.2

Knoll's wines truly speak to me. So much energy, nerve & tension which create a irresistible freshness. There is a startling depth to the fruit as well. Hints of pineapple accenting juicy pear & citrus notes. — 9 years ago

John Myers

9.4

This is the Syrah you dream about. Big, bold but a beauty with style. Layers of black cherry, black pepper, smoke and all spice mingle with plum, graham cracker and tobacco on the nose. An irresistible combination of flavors including black cherry, black currant, blackberry, smoked meat and dark chocolate are truly pleasing on the palate. — 10 years ago

Jdiebd

8.9

Very drinkable, disappeared off the shlef in our coop in two days. — 7 months ago

Liam Davis

9.0

Fruity but even, smooth and some depth (I’d say) — 6 years ago

RJ Stefanski

9.4

One of the first truly impressive Italian red wines I encountered. Just an amazing Amarone from a superb vintage that overdelivered thanks in part to its humble co-op origins. A kaleidoscope of flavors ranging from sarsaparilla, mahogany, herbs, baked red fruit, and cherry cola. In a wonderful place with hints of tertiary components appearing, while the structure is perfectly balanced with acid/tannin singing out for a full minute on the finish. $45 — 7 years ago

with Austin

Andrew Higgs

8.9

Fruity with a hint of spice. coop — 10 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Perfect pizza wine four hours decanted. Vicolo Corn Meal Goat Cheese Pizza with our fresh ingredients.

The body is round, rich & lush. The structure, tension, balance & finish still need 3-5 years plus years to truly shine. Slightly sweet & sour & floral, dark cherries, ripe blueberries, dark plum, black raspberries, dark, slightly, sweet tarriness, anise, lead pencil, dry stone, dry clay, dark spice, limestone, crushed, dry rocks, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, vanillin, fresh & dry tobacco, dry twigs, tree sap, dry herbs, savory meats, touch of pepper with candied & withering; dark, red, purple & some blue flowers framed in lavender & violets. Very good cool stream river acidity. The finish is still youthful (even decanted 4 plus hours) well balanced fruit & earth, ripe, juicy, elegant & it persists endlessly.

Even better in 3-5 years.

Produttori at the time we were there in the fall of 2015 was the 3rd largest European Co-op. It is located at the top of the town of Barbaresco, right under the church. We tasted there before going into Gaja down the street. Then, onto one of the best Michelin starred restaurants that is adjacent to Gaja we’ve had. 70 Euros lunch for two. The food was outstanding & rarely had that level of service. — 5 years ago

Natasha Langton

9.0

Very enjoyable - delicious on its own. — 9 years ago

Neal Schaffer

9.4

I can't stop drinking this... This might be a good problem... Dark red ruby in color with a medium-plus intensity. The nose is filled with dark bing cherries, fresh cranberries, wet violets, wild mushrooms, moss, forest floor, smoked wood, and wet rocks. The palate was fleshy, mysterious and refined. Mushrooms and a perfect dose of acidity and chewy tannic structure made the finish irresistible. It's balance competes and stands tall with any of the great Burgundy producers. It's truly astonishing how this 12.5% Gamay is so complex. This bottle is hard to put down. Cheers to a perfect Friday night! — 10 years ago

with Dana