2017 Descendant
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Tasting notes
Saturated ruby. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, sandalwood, vanilla and exotic spices, along with floral and mineral accents that build in the glass. Sappy and densely packed, offering sweet blueberry, cassis, cola and fruitcake flavors that are supported by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Finishes very long and spicy, with a repeating cassis note and steadily building tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
A cooler, wetter vintage with elegance to the wines. This is exotic with vibrant floral notes and raspberries, pomegranate and dark peaches, as well as briar, red berries and plums. A cooler year like this gives the viognier greater air time. The palate has a very convincing and complete tannin structure, layered with a wealth of ripe dark plums and long, soft, later-picked tannins that hold plenty of flavor. Complex. Drink or hold.
Consistently one of my favorites in the Torbreck lineup, this year's version, the 2017 Descendant, was co-fermented with 8% Viognier and spent 18 months in barrel. It's full-bodied, rich and decadent, delivering what Torbreck lovers expect in its dark-fruited layers of opulence. Suffused with hints of Mexican chocolate, it finishes long and softly dusty.