2022 Torbreck The Factor Shiraz, Barossa Valley

The 2022 The Factor is a celebration of old-vine vineyards in Barossa. Aromatically, this philosophy is clear as day in the wine. Barossa is stylistically adaptable and flexible, and at its best, it's able to convey a sense of meatiness, charred bacon fat, alongside kicked red earth and brick dust, an array of exotic spices and purple fruit, all the while conveying balance and focus. These are the best examples of its capability. All of these things are evident in this wine, and it shows concentration and length in spades. It's a big, powerful wine but balanced too. Excellent. 15.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork and wax.

96 points Erin Larkin robertparker.com

Intensely perfumed and densely packed aromas of blackberry compote, blood plums, graphite, tar, grilled meat, violets, olive tapenade, coffee beans and sweet spices. The palate is full-bodied with a viscous, velvety texture and tannins that melt over the palate. Great freshness underneath the power, with a high level of polish while embodying a classic Barossa shiraz. Drink or hold.

96 points jamessuckling.com

The Factor, a subregional blend of shiraz from across the parishes of the Barossa, is again in rude form after the excellent '21 release. Fruit aromas of blood plum, blackberry and black cherry fruits with hints of clove, kirsch, dark chocolate bullets, cherry ripe, ironstone, blackforest cake, spicy oak and earth. Concentrated and darkly spiced with a flow of black fruits, plenty of spice, fine, sandy tannins and an extended draw on the exit.

94 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

High-octane notes of vanilla bean, licorice, blackberry jam and rose oil welcome with arms wide open. The palate is plush yet structured: red and black berries anchor the wine while a firm line of salted licorice-like tannins offsets the ripe flavours and girdles the masses of fruit. While the tannins are firm, they're also very fine, leaving a wake of chalkiness. It's a sleeper, everything is in its place, and there's freshness to set this full-bodied shiraz up for a lavish lifestyle. Patience is needed 25 Apr 2025 Drink 2025–2037

95 points Gabrielle Poy therealreview.com

Drawn from old vine Barossa vineyards, this Shiraz sits at the darker, more muscular end of Torbreck’s range, built to show depth, density and savoury power. The Factor is shaped by low yielding vines planted on ancient soils that naturally produce concentrated fruit. Even with its scale, the wine is guided by balance, aiming to combine richness with structure rather than simple sweetness.

Winemaking is deliberate and patient. Extraction builds firm tannin and length, while maturation adds spice and frame without masking the fruit core. The intention is a wine that feels commanding yet composed, designed for slow evolution.

In the glass it shows an inky crimson with purple edges. Aromas unfold with blackberry, dark plum and blueberry layered with liquorice, cocoa and black pepper. There is a savoury ironstone note that grounds the richness. The palate is full bodied and powerful, with dense dark fruit wrapped in ripe, persistent tannins. Bright acidity keeps the wine lifted, carrying flavours of black cherry, spice and bitter chocolate into a long, mouthcoating finish.

It pairs beautifully with grilled steak, game, slow cooked meats and richly flavoured dishes. Drinking impressively now with extended air, it will cellar confidently for fifteen years or more, developing leather and spice complexity.

This is Barossa Shiraz in a bold register, structured, savoury and built for the long haul.