Torbreck, founded in 1994 by David Powell, has become synonymous with Barossa Valley excellence and Rhône-inspired winemaking. The RunRig sits at the pinnacle of Torbreck’s portfolio—crafted from some of the oldest Shiraz vineyards in the Barossa and co-fermented with a touch of Viognier. Revered for its depth, perfume, and longevity, RunRig is often compared to the great wines of Côte-Rôtie.
Vineyard
The fruit for the 2003 RunRig was sourced from six of the Barossa’s most ancient dry-grown Shiraz vineyards, planted between 1865 and 1901, located across key sites in Marananga, Moppa, Greenock, and Seppeltsfield. These gnarled vines produce tiny yields of intensely concentrated berries. A small addition of Viognier (~2%) from cooler Eden Valley vineyards brings aromatic lift and textural finesse.
Vintage
The 2003 Barossa vintage was warm and dry, with very low yields due to drought conditions. Despite the challenging year, the surviving fruit displayed exceptional intensity and richness, yielding a RunRig of power and concentration. This is a bold, opulent vintage with immense ageing potential—structured, muscular, and deeply expressive of Barossa’s old-vine heritage.
Tasting Notes
The 2003 Torbreck RunRig reveals a deep, opaque purple-black hue. The bouquet bursts with blackberry, blueberry, violet, and graphite, underpinned by mocha, licorice, and roasted meat notes. The palate is rich and full-bodied, overflowing with black fruit, dark chocolate, and savoury spice. Despite its density, the wine maintains balance through its fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins. The finish is long, layered, and expansive. Presented here in a 1.5L Magnum format with original wooden box, this wine promises extraordinary cellar longevity.
Critics’ Acclaim
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98 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
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96 points – James Halliday
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95 points – Wine Spectator
Praised for its concentration, perfume, and balance, the 2003 RunRig stands as one of the most powerful and age-worthy vintages of the decade.
Technical Information
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Region: Barossa Valley, South Australia
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Variety: Shiraz (~98%) co-fermented with Viognier (~2%)
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Alcohol: ~15%
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Maturation: 30 months in French oak (50% new)
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Format: 1.5L Magnum
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Packaging: Original Wooden Box (WB)
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Closure: Cork
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Drinking Window: 2010–2050+
A Collectible Gem
The 2003 Torbreck RunRig Shiraz Magnum is a monumental expression of old-vine Barossa Shiraz—concentrated, perfumed, and endlessly complex. Rare in large format and presented in its original wooden box, this is a collector’s centrepiece with decades of graceful evolution ahead.
