94

Josh Raynolds

Vinous

Opaque ruby. Powerful dark berry liqueur aromas are complemented by a kaleidoscopic array of fresh and dried flowers, incense, Asian spices and vanilla. Suave and silky in texture, with explosive blackberry and mulberry flavors complemented by exotic spice and floral qualities. Finishes with superbly integrated tannins and outstanding persistence, leaving sexy spice and mocha notes in its wake

97

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Made from 100% Shiraz that spent 24 months in French oak (30% new), the exuberant, flamboyant 2004 The Factor offers up gorgeously pure blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with smoke, bacon fat, camphor, and graphite. Silky smooth, and, as David Powell says, “the most Barossa-like” of all his wines, it represents Powell’s rendition of a Cote Rotie. It can be drunk over the next 15-20 years.

96+

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

Slightly exotic and a bruiser at the moment, the 2004 Torbreck Shiraz The Factor has amazingly rich dark fruit, meat, earth, flowers, chocolate and bacon notes literally jumping from the glass and there's not a trace of heat. The palate is full bodied with nice structure but so much fruit overlaying everything that it's easy to miss. Beautifully balanced, textured and complex, it's hard not to love this wine and the finish is long and rich. 09/2007