1998 Torbreck Shiraz Run Rig
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Tasting notes
A testament to the age ability of Australian Shiraz, the 1998 Torbreck Run Rig still possesses a vibrant, bright purple color as well as a youthful, young character. On the nose, it has perfumed, bright aromatics of spiced dark fruits, garrigue, licorice and pepper that are supported by glorious lilac, violet and floral aromatics. A decent dose of volatile acidity detracts and at times, gives the wine a slight amarone character. This trait fades with air but never completely integrates. The wine is full bodied on the palate and shines with perfect balance, a superb, light, silky texture, concentrated fruit and an elegant, amazingly long finish. This should have no problem going another 8 to 10 years.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1998 RunRig is in the vein of the 1996 in terms of graciousness and elegance. The 1998 vintage was a heralded season, and the wine expresses that pedigree, regardless of the reviews. The wine is superb. There are notes of cocoa and sweet bone marrow, star anise and pomegranate molasses. Layers of sumac and garden rose emerge through the finish. Interestingly, during all the tastings at Torbreck today, there have been similar flavor characters emerging in the wines, which speaks to me of the consistency of house style. The quality across the board has been impeccable. Here, this 1998 is every bit as good as the vintage was lauded to be. It comes highly recommended. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
The 1998 Run Rig is a phenomenal wine. An inky/blue/purple color is followed by an incredibly intoxicating, endearing bouquet of peaches, honeysuckle, blackberries, and spring flowers, full-bodied, concentrated flavors that show slightly more depth and length than the 1997, and more velvety tannins than the 1996. This prodigious offering should continue to evolve for another decade or more. Jun 2009, www.robertparker.com
Saturated dark ruby to the rim. Flamboyantly nuanced nose combines cassis, black raspberry, peat, bitter chocolate, baking spices and suggestions of exotic fruits. Silky and glyceral in the mouth but with a firm spine of acidity giving the wine freshness and structure. Very complex flavors of crystallized berries, violet and game are lifted by the wine 3% viognier component. Truly coats the entire palate, with the thoroughly ripe tannins spreading out horizontally and the superripe but fresh fruit and floral flavors going on and on. An extraordinary shiraz that appears to be built to age.