Torbreck "The Factor" Shiraz 2021
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [WA 96+] [WS 96] [DM 96] [JS 95] [WA 95]

The Factor is predominantly from the Gomersal and Marananga sub-regions of the Barossa, providing dense texture and richness to the palate with subtle notes of olive tapenade, saddle leather and minerals. Ripe aromas of plum and wild blackberries, olive, pepper and spice are all supported by a dark core of espresso roast, ripe blackberries and saltbush. Brooding and densely packed, this lavish wine has ample generosity to cellar for many years, where it will slowly unravel its beguiling riches

COLOR: Deep Garnet, hues of purple
AROMA: Satsuma plum and wild blackberries, olive, cocoa, liquorice and mocha
PALATE: full bodied, round and plush mid-palate with fruity tannins and firm finish

Ratings & Reviews

96+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

The 2021 The Factor is a blend of vineyard sites (Krondorf, Rowland Flat, Greenock and Marananga) and is 100% Shiraz (Syrah). 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. Good! 15.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax. 2024-2041.

96 Points -  Wine Spectator:
Offers a dense, powerful mix of violet, bittersweet chocolate and sandalwood-infused morello cherries in syrup. Blueberry, blackberry and date-nut bread flavors are plump on a frame of polished and toothsome tannins. Clove and Saigon cinnamon notes linger, with a powerful crescendo on the finish. Shiraz. Drink now through 2039. 1,000 cases made, 190 cases imported.

96 Points -  Decanter:
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.

95 Points - James Suckling
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. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

92 Points - Vinous Media:
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. (Drink between 2026-2033)