2001 Torbreck Shiraz The Factor

(100% shiraz Bright medium ruby. Dark raspberry, plum, fruitcake, tar and molasses on the nose. Juicy, tightly wound and very firmly built; the dark berry and fruitcake fla vors began a bit ungiving but showed increasing sweetness in the glass. Finishes firm and quite fresh, with impressive nutty persistence.

The 100% Shiraz offering, the exquisite 2001 The Factor, aged 24 months in French oak (30% new), possesses a roasted, Cote Rotie character than its Shiraz siblings. Blackberry, blueberry, espresso roast, smoke, and a roasted component are found in this intense, rich effort along with considerable structure, fabulous density, and a broad, deep, profound palate. Oct 2004, www.robertparker.com