Spicy and fruity with hints of coffee and nutmeg character. Full and very balanced with round tannins and a flavorful finish. Beautiful wine from a hot year and showing excellent balance. Drink or hold. Made from Grenache (60%), Shiraz (20%) and Mataro (20%).

The blend is 60% Grenache, 20% Shiraz and 20% Mataro (Mourvèdre), and in this heatwave vintage, the result is a full-bodied, supple wine that epitomizes the Torbreck style. It's wildly complex, ranging from meaty notes of Worcestershire sauce and marinated London broil to cedar, mint and raspberry. The finish is long and silky. Drink now–2020. JOE CZERWINSKI

The same blend as the Cuvee Juveniles and 60% Grenache, 20% Mataro, and 20% Shiraz, the 2008 Torbreck The Steading spent 24 months in neutral French oak Hogsheads prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Perfumed and aromatic, with loads of Provencal herbs, Asian spice, mint, and meaty qualities, as well as a solid core of plum and cherry centered fruit, this hits the palate with a silky, seamless texture, excellent balance, and a light, clean finish. Upfront, ready to go, and straight up delicious, this will shine for 3-5 years.

Blended of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, the 2008 The Steading gives a deep garnet color and aromas of warm mulberries and dried plums with an undercurrent of spice box, sandalwood and kirsch. Very full and generous in the mouth with a good amount of enlivening acidity, it is displaying mature, dried berry and spice flavors textured with a medium level of velvety tannins and finishing long. Drinking now, it should remain good to 2016+.