| Producer | Torbreck |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Barossa Valley |
| Varietal | Shiraz (Syrah) |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | U1010814 |
| Size | 750ml |
 |
Boom! Tightly coiled, a bullet of black fruit, taut acidity and a firm backbone of chiselled tannins propel the palate along with deadly focus and no shortage of pace. Such a tensile wine, with a trail of blackcurrant and dry extract in the form of bitumen, crushed stones and graphite in its wake; with air, liquorice and vanillin oak. Somewhat inscrutable now, it hails from four vineyards grown in tough, rocky growing conditions.
Northern Barossa sourcing, encompassing Ebenezer and Moppa. Quintessentially old school. Chocolate, dried fruit, clove, coffee bean and densely packed dark berry allusions, all compressed by a swathe of licorice tannins, funneling the forceful finish.
This big, heavyset 2021 The Factor offers bold carob, black olive, and licorice aromas with spicy accents. Drying and chocolatey tannins are open-knit with supple fruit while a little warm. Best enjoyed over the medium term.
On the nose, it offers a complete vision of Barossa Shiraz—chewy, supple, spicy, big, expansive and voluminous. It has a way of being both structural and inviting and flows long through the finish. This is a very good wine here, classy, comforting and evocative, and while silky, it’s also pleasingly regional. The tannins are gently chewy through the finish, which I like very much. Drink 2024-2041. —E.L.
