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.”

Rich and very ripe, this is distinctive for its black cherry, blackberry and a wide range of spices that make it more interesting. A cardamom note lingers on the long, expressive finish. The tannins are well-integrated. Shiraz. Best from 2010 through 2020. 1,200 cases made. -HS

Tarry and peppery, dark and meaty, it’s difficult to describe how a wine that is so packed with lush blackberry and plum fruit can remain complex. The fruit completely fills the mouth, yet nuances of spicy, meaty complexity somehow permeate, building in intensity on the long finish. Supple enough to drink now, but should evolve positively through at least 2015 and last another 5–10 years beyond that.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 97