Product Description:
The Factor Shiraz 2021 from Torbreck is a wine that pays tribute to the Barossa Valley’s heritage and its unparalleled legacy of exceptional old Shiraz vineyards. This wine honours the growers and generations of careful cultivation that have shaped the region's reputation as one of Australia’s premier wine-growing areas. Many of these vineyards were planted in the 19th century, and due to South Australia's visionary quarantine policy, they remain unaffected by the phylloxera outbreak that decimated vines around the world in the 1880s. Today, these vines continue to flourish, thriving on their own roots as living relics of the past. The Factor represents the epitome of Barossa’s bold and expressive Shiraz, crafted with a blend of fruit from the Gomersal and Marananga sub-regions, which are renowned for producing deeply aromatic and richly textured wines.
In 2021, a mild summer with cool temperatures allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, creating a vintage marked by balanced acidity, vibrant colour, and remarkable aromatics. A wine of great depth and intensity, The Factor is a masterful blend of fruit and oak, presenting a complex profile of black fruits, cocoa, and spice, while maintaining a finesse and elegance that will continue to evolve over decades.
Maker:
Torbreck was founded with the mission to become one of the world’s great wine brands, and since 1994, it has remained steadfast in its commitment to creating exceptional Rhône-style wines. The winery is located in the heart of Australia's famous Barossa Valley, which is renowned for its rich winemaking heritage and exceptional terroir. Torbreck works closely with multi-generational growers, whose families have been in the region for nearly two centuries. These growers are central to Torbreck’s winemaking philosophy, which focuses on working in partnership with the land to create wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the Barossa.
Torbreck’s commitment to minimal intervention winemaking ensures that the expression of each vineyard’s terroir is preserved, resulting in wines that are rich, structured, and capable of ageing gracefully. The winery’s dedication to quality is reflected in their choice of high-quality oak for maturation, as well as their careful fermentation techniques that allow the flavours to develop naturally. Torbreck’s wines, including The Kyloe Mataro, are a true reflection of the Barossa Valley’s potential to produce world-class, age-worthy wines.
Philosophy:
At Torbreck, the philosophy is centred on a deep respect for the land, minimal intervention, and a commitment to creating wines that reflect the unique terroirs of the Barossa Valley. With a focus on provenance, Torbreck believes that great wines begin in the vineyard, where the combination of soil, climate, and the expertise of multi-generational growers comes together to produce fruit of exceptional quality.
Torbreck embraces a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the natural characteristics of each vineyard site to express themselves in the wine. This approach ensures that the wines are true to their origins, showcasing the complexity and individuality of the Barossa Valley. By using traditional methods such as hand-picking, careful fermentation, and selective maturation in premium oak, Torbreck produces wines that are rich, structured, and capable of ageing gracefully.
This commitment to quality, paired with a deep understanding of the land, ensures that Torbreck wines are always a true reflection of their terroir—wines that are not only exceptional in the present but will continue to evolve and reveal their full potential over time.
Tasting Notes:
Nose
Complex, Lush, Fragrant
An enticing blend of lifted black fruits such as satsuma plum and blackberry, complemented by layers of dark cocoa, vanilla bean, and maraschino liqueur. There’s a subtle minerality that hints at Barossa ironstone and dried earth, with a fresh eucalyptus lift.
Palate
Luxurious, Dense, Textured
A voluptuous mouthfeel, enveloping the senses with dense yet soft tannins. Rich fruit compote, hints of vanilla, and a touch of cocoa create a harmonious balance with a fine thread of acidity, bringing freshness and structure to the wine.
Finish
Long, Polished, Balanced
Long, with lingering notes of black fruit, cocoa, and spice, beautifully complemented by the cleansing acidity that polishes the wine’s depth and complexity. It is a wine of both power and refinement, leaving a lasting impression with every sip.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Barossa Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 15.5%