2005 Torbreck The Factor Shiraz

The Factor is produced from very old vines with yields averaging between 1-1.5 tonnes per acre. Fermentation takes place in small open vats and the wine is pumped over twice daily. The wine is then transferred to French barrique and Hogshead barrels where the malolactic fermentation takes place. Finally, the wine is matured in oak for 24 months prior to bottling.

 A superb wine – expensive, brilliantly structured with complex flavour profile.

Totally opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue, with excellent cling to the glass wall. Superb nose – a perfumed array of vanilla, liquorice, spice and violets, followed by spice and a black pepper end note. The palate delivers what the nose promises and more. Full bodied and explosive with flavours of spice and anise which are followed by a layer of cinnamon, liquorice allsorts and clove. Perfect balance. Very long aftertaste of clove, anise and liquorice.
Cellar 3-4 years (2010-2011)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%

Other Reviews...
The 2005 The Factor is 100% Shiraz sourced from dry grown vines from six sub-regions of Barossa. It spent 24 months in 30% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers an expressive bouquet of pepper, smoke, espresso roast, blackberry, blueberry, and licorice. Full-bodied and voluptuous on the palate, nuances of saddle leather and mineral emerge to complement the layers of spicy blue and black fruits. The wine is beautifully integrated with enough well-concealed tannin to keep this wine evolving for a decade. The pure finish lingers for 60+ seconds to complete the experience of a totally hedonistic turn-on. Torbreck, under the leadership of owner/winemaker David Powell, remains a Barossa Valley benchmark as well as one of the world’s greatest wine estates. The top cuvees are limited production and expensive but there are also some outstanding values in the portfolio. With regard to the current vintages for the Barossa red wines, David Powell states “2004 is more savory while 2005 has more purity and definition. 2004 is more classic, 2005 will take longer to come around.”
Rating 97
Jay Miller - Wine Advocate #173 Oct 2007