The 2013 vintage of The Factor is widely celebrated as a benchmark Barossa Shiraz, demonstrating a remarkable blend of power, concentration, and finesse. Sourced from some of the Barossa Valley's most hallowed old-vine Shiraz vineyards, this wine is a masterful expression of its terroir and the cooler-than-average vintage conditions, which lent it a unique freshness.

Overall Critical Consensus and Score: This vintage received consistently high marks from top critics, with the most notable review coming from Wine Enthusiast, which awarded it an exceptional 98 points and an "Editor's Choice" designation. Other prominent scores include 96 points from James Suckling and 93 points from Vinous.

Tasting Notes and Key Characteristics:

• Aromas: The nose is complex and profoundly aromatic, offering a captivating mix of dark and savory notes. Primary fruit aromas of blackberry compote, blueberry, and dense plum are layered with a sophisticated array of non-fruit elements. Expect to find hints of roasted meat, espresso, black olives, licorice, and a distinct graphite or tarry minerality. There's also a subtle spicy character, with notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, and black pepper from its two years of aging in French oak.

• Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, dense, and lush, yet it maintains an elegant vitality. It showcases a rich core of ripe black and blue fruits—from raspberries to blackberries—that are both deeply concentrated and remarkably fresh. The texture is a key highlight, described by critics as plush, velvety, and viscous, with a deceptively powerful undercurrent. The tannins are fine-grained and silky, melting across the palate and providing a structured, age-worthy frame without being aggressive.

• Finish: The finish is incredibly long and persistent, with the flavors swirling and lingering effortlessly. It concludes with notes of dark chocolate, saddle leather, and a hint of dusty earth, all supported by a polished, balanced acidity that ensures freshness and a long life in the cellar.

Aging and Cellarability: While impressive and complex in its youth, this wine is built for the long haul. Its concentration, balanced acidity, and finely integrated tannins suggest it has a generous cellaring window. Critics recommend drinking it from now until at least 2030, with some suggesting it will evolve and improve for even longer.

In summary, the 2013 Torbreck The Factor is a quintessential Barossa Shiraz, offering a lavish and powerful tasting experience that is simultaneously polished, pure, and elegant. It is a testament to the exceptional quality of old-vine Shiraz and a stunning example of the Torbreck style.