Torbreck The Pict 2006

A Celtic Tribute to Ancient Earth

Torbreck Vintners, founded with a deep affinity for the Rhône Valley and a nod to Scottish heritage, named this cuvée after the Picts—the "painted people" of ancient Scotland who defied the Roman Empire. This name reflects the wild, rugged, and unyielding character of the Mataro grape (Mourvèdre), a variety often relegated to blending but here given center stage to showcase its raw power and earthy soul.

The 2006 vintage of The Pict is sourced from a tiny, dry-grown vineyard block in the Northern Barossa, planted in the 1920s on soil rich in clay and ironstone. These gnarled, ancient vines struggle for survival, producing tiny berries with incredibly thick skins and intense concentration. The wine is vinified with traditional techniques, including the use of open fermenters and basket pressing, before aging in new French oak to polish its formidable structure.

This wine stands as a testament to the potential of Mataro in the Barossa Valley, proving it can rival the great wines of Bandol. It captures the essence of the hot, dry Australian summer, delivering a wine that is dense, savory, and profound—a bold expression of history, both ancient and viticultural.