2022 Torbreck Les Amis Grenache, Barossa Valley

Deep red-purple colour, bright and youthful. Smoky, charry oak and roasting-pan aromas. Full bodied and fleshy, supple and smoothly rounded, with drying tannins at the long finish, notes of coffee and mocha throughout. A more oaky style of grenache and yet it leaves the palate with a feeling of balance and even elegance. It has the drive and punch of tannin to age to advantage for many years. 27 Jul 2025 Drink 2025–2040

95 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

My good mate used to live in the house next to the Slade vineyard. I've wandered these vines quite a few times with a Cooper's Pale in my hand; the vines are epic, gnarly old beasts, some of the best. Pure satsuma plum fruits daubed with souk-like spice along with hints of gingerbread, pomegranate, cola, char siu, biltong, dried citrus rind, some amaro herbs and an expression of blood orange. It's no airy, fragrant style. There's resonance and power here, abundant spice, bright acidity and a solid core of plum and ginger that rolls along nicely.

96 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Les Amis is one of Torbreck’s most sought after Grenache bottlings, drawn from a tiny, dry grown vineyard planted in 1901 on sandy soils in the Barossa Valley. Torbreck was founded in the 1990s by David Powell with a vision inspired by the great wines of the Rhône, centred on venerable vines and traditional methods. Today Chief Winemaker Ian Hongell continues that philosophy, carefully nurturing these old plantings and allowing site to dictate style. Les Amis translates to “the friends,” a nod to the growers and relationships that make these rare parcels possible.

The century old bush vines yield tiny quantities of intensely flavoured fruit. Fermentation is managed with sensitivity to preserve perfume and fine tannin, and maturation in high quality French oak refines structure without masking the vineyard’s sandy soil character. The goal is purity and longevity, crafting a Grenache that is both powerful and lifted.

Deep garnet in colour, the aromas open with raspberry, red plum and dark cherry layered with rose petal, spice and subtle earthy notes. The palate is full bodied yet composed, with concentrated red and dark fruit wrapped in fine, velvety tannins and balanced acidity. Savoury undertones and gentle oak spice carry through a long, persistent finish that feels both rich and refined.

It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, game and Mediterranean inspired dishes. While impressive in its youth with careful decanting, it will cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty years, gaining complexity and depth.