Earlier in the year, I had the opportunity to taste through a lineup of current releases from Australia’s Torbreck winery. This famed Barossa Valley winery specializes in Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro (Mourvedre) and produces intense, rich, sometimes high-dollar wines that put a definitive Aussie spin on classic Northern and Southern Rhone single varietals and blends. Here are my notes on my favorites:

Torbreck 2008 Semillon Barossa Valley Woodcutter’s ($18). Light and bright, with moderate-intensity notes of pineapple, dried pineapple and melon, with touches of mineral and cream on the bright finish. A happy, easy wine that’s ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-07-02)

Torbreck 2008 Cuvee Juveniles Barossa Valley ($25). Intense, slightly jammy black raspberry, strawberry and plum flavors are slightly jammy but not overly alcoholic, with a long, concentrated, licorice-laced finish. A blend of Grenache (60%), Mataro (Mourvedre) (20%) and Shiraz. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-10-04)

Torbreck 2006 The Steading Barossa Valley ($37). This is the same fruit as the Cuvee Juveniles, but it gets 2 years in older barrels instead of the new oak treatment in the Juveniles. The result is quite different — more earthy, meaty aromas and accents to the fruit, which seems darker and deeper and less jammy here. Fascinating. Ready to drink now and over the next three or four years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Torbreck 2006 Shiraz The Factor Barossa Valley ($115). Appealing touches of aromatic pepper and smoke accent ripe, smooth black cherry and berry fruit that stays focused and intense through the long finish, picking up savory roasted coffee and herbal notes along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next five or six years. Locate this wine online or in your area.

Torbreck 2006 Descendant Barossa Valley ($115). Shiraz cofermented with Viognier (8%), offering a “wow” nose — intense and elegant with a smoky sweetness accenting pretty blackberry and black currant fruit, with a slight savory accent on the mineral-laced, plummy finish. Very nice. Ready to drink now but should age beautifully over the next 7-10 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.