The Torbreck Les Amis 2010 is a highly-regarded and critically acclaimed single-vineyard Grenache from the Barossa Valley, a region where the variety has found a powerful and distinct voice. Sourced from a vineyard planted in 1901, this wine is a testament to the concentration and intensity that old-vine Grenache can achieve, especially in the hands of a masterful Barossa producer like Torbreck.

Critic Scores

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 97 points

• James Suckling: 94 points

• Wine Spectator: 92 points

Tasting Notes

The 2010 vintage of Les Amis is an exceptionally rich and full-bodied wine that, despite its power, maintains a sense of poise and elegance. Its color is a deep garnet-purple, hinting at the wine's concentration.

On the nose, it is incredibly aromatic and complex, offering a gorgeous perfume of ripe kirsch, raspberry compote, and red fruit preserves. These primary fruit notes are beautifully interwoven with secondary aromas of Asian spices, potpourri, roses, and baking spices like cloves and cinnamon. With time in the glass, subtle hints of smoke, vanilla, and cedar from the new French oak become more apparent.

On the palate, the wine is dense, layered, and luxuriously textured. It delivers a rush of sweet black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors, which are supported by a powerful core of dark plums, kirsch, and a touch of dark chocolate. The tannins are ripe, rich, and remarkably silky, providing a firm structure without being aggressive. It is a decadent and concentrated wine, yet it remains surprisingly lithe.

The finish is long, refreshing, and persistent, with lingering notes of mocha, blood plums, and a subtle mineral or graphite character.

Professional Opinion & Aging Potential

The 2010 vintage in the Barossa Valley was exceptional, providing ideal conditions for a wine of this caliber. Critics have noted that while the wine is very approachable and expressive in its youth, its true potential is revealed with age. Robert Parker's review, in particular, highlights its layered complexity and the seamless integration of its components. While some reviews from earlier in its life noted the prominent new oak, it has since harmonized with the concentrated fruit, leading to a beautifully integrated and balanced wine.

This is a wine built for the long haul. With proper cellaring, it is expected to continue to evolve and drink well through at least 2030, with its powerful structure and fruit-driven character allowing it to age gracefully. It is a benchmark example of what old-vine Grenache can achieve in Australia, standing as a formidable expression of the Barossa Valley terroir.