Torbreck The Factor Shiraz 2015 Barossa Valley

Torbreck was created by Dave Powell in 1994 with the idea of combining the old vine fruit of the Barossa and the winemaking ethos of the Northern Rhone to produce the best the region could offer.

Now a long way down the road, Dave Powell has gone but they still produce some of Australia’s most collectable and desirable wines. For me, the wine which combines the best of their old vine ethos and vaguely reasonable price, not being three figures, is their stunning The Factor. Made from 100% Shiraz vines often well in excess of 100 years old, from the Gomersal and Marananga sub regions of the Barossa Valley. Aged for two years in French oak barriques 40% new this manages to combine power and great balance rarely achieved in many full throttle Aussie reds. A deep colour and decadent nose of ripe fruit and an opulent palate of blackberries and cherries, liqourice, black olives wrapped with silky tannins and along finish. Rightly given 97/100 in The Wine Advocate. Drinking now but will easily keep another 5 years.