Torbreck Vintners, Barossa Valley, Australia

Sunday, October 9, 2011, 5:30 p.m.

Torbreck Vintners was founded by David Powell in 1994.  It all began when Powell, who was then working at Rockford, a company in the Barossa Valley, discovered a neglected and ancient Shiraz vineyard and cleaned up a few sections of these old vines and nurtured them back to health.  Powell was able to share-farm the property. This involved paying the owner a percentage of the market rate for the fruit in return for totally managing the vineyard. In 1995 under Powell’s direction three tons of grapes were crushed and fermented into wine.  The vintner named his wine Torbreck after a forest in Scotland where he had worked as a lumberjack. Powell loved the intense, rich Rhone-like flavors from his Shiraz old vines but realized that the Barossa Valley had overlooked the suitability of the French white Rhone varieties and planted Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier.  In 2003 a new winery was completed in the historic hillside property the Descendant Vineyard.  The winery feels that it has the best of both worlds, melding the region’s terroir with using the best available modern equipment.  We will be going to the newly opened Sugar Beets Restaurant. Jason Steffenauer owner, General Manager and Martin Ledesma owner, Executive Chef, have created a menu to showcase these vintages.

1st course
The Woodcutter’s Semillon Sashimi
Seared Almond Crusted Ahi Tuna “Sashimi” with Pineapple Ponzu Sauce
2009 Woodcutter’s Semillon

2nd course
Confit of Duck and Mushroom Encrute
Daikon and Beet Slaw with Ginger Vinaigrette
2008 Cuvee Juveniles

3rd course
Pan Roasted Australian Lamb Chops
Juniper Berry Shiraz Reduction and Black Cherry Japonica Rice
2009 Wood Cutters Shiraz

4th course
Cedar Plank Salmon
Steading Herb Wine Sauce with Truffle Mushroom Mashed Potatoes
2007 The Steading
(60% Grenache, 20% Mataro, 20% Shiraz)

5th course
Warm Chocolate Spiced Cake
Black Berry Shiraz Drizzle
2006 “The Struie” Barossa Shiraz

Sugar Beets Restaurant,  455 South A Street, Oxnard