2016 Torbreck Shiraz The Factor
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Tasting notes
Deep magenta. Powerful spice- and mineral-accented blueberry and cassis aromas are complicated by suggestions of pungent flowers and incense and a hint of dark chocolate. Stains the palate with alluringly sweet black and blue fruit preserve, spicecake and violet pastille flavors that are underscored by a vein of smoky minerality. Shows outstanding litheness for its power and structure and finishes impressively long and precise, with building tannins adding framework and closing grip. 50% new French oak.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Dark fruit with iodine, muscle shell and hints of coal on the palate. Full-bodied, very tight and structured with steely tannins that give incredible length and poise. The greatest Factor I have ever tasted. Driven and brilliant. Better after 2021.
Torbreck's 2016 The Factor incorporates what winemaker Ian Hongell calls their "most structured Shiraz, from a lot of ironstone soils." It spends two years in French oak barriques, half of which were new, so it shows hints of cedar pencil shavings and toasted coconut layered over ripe blackberries and spice. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it finishes long, with terrific energy and drive. It should prove to be one of the longest-lived wines from this lineup.