2005 Torbreck "Les Amis" Grenache Barossa Valley
SKU #1119239
98 points
Wine Advocate
The 2005 Les Amis, sourced from a 100+-year-old vineyard, is 100% Grenache aged for 18 months in new oak. Remarkably fragrant, it emits full-throttle aromas of spice box, kirsch, wild raspberry, and blackberry liqueur. Plush on the palate, it reveals layers of rich, red and black berry flavors, ripe tannin, and a 60-second, pure finish. Although it can be admired now, the wine merits 6-8 years of further bottle aging to reveal all of its splendors. This sensational effort could easily masquerade as Pegau Cuvee de Capo on human growth hormone. (JM)
(10/2007)
96 points
Jeb Dunnuck
Drank next to a 2003 Pegau, the 2005 Torbreck Grenache Les Amis seemed amazingly clean, pure and elegant with seamless integration and balance. The nose has soaring aromatics and shows fabulously sweet raspberry and blueberry fruit, spice, vanilla and integrated oak aromas and comes across as very clean and fruit driven but not even close to over the top. Full bodied and perfectly built, this shows sweet fruit, amazing concentration, awesome balance and a huge, blockbuster finish.
(12/2007)
94 points
Int'l Wine Cellar
Drop-dead gorgeous aromas of red berry liqueur, cherry-cola, incense and fresh lavender expand with air, taking on smoky mineral and Asian spice qualities. Deeply concentrated raspberry and blackberry compote flavors are enlivened by vibrant minerality and framed by velvety tannins. An extremely sexy wine that leaves an endless finish of berries, kirsch and candied flowers behind. This is already awfully compelling. (JR)
(10/2008)
93 points
Wine Enthusiast
Winemaker David Powell gets this Grenache from vines planted in 1901 in Seppeltsfield. Their concentrated fruit yields a black-cherry-scented wine that's broad and mouthfilling, yet kept focused by flavors of earth and spice. Picks up a touch of vanilla from the new French oak on the finish, but also ends with a luscious, velvety texture. (JC)
(11/2007)
91 points
Wine Spectator
Rich and ripe, with a dried cherry edge to the raspberry and pomegranate fruit, finishing with a lift. Has a spicy frame that lets the fruit sail on the finish. (HS)
(10/2008)
Jancis Robinson
A big contrast to the Clarendon - much more user-friendly. All the warmth of South Australia plus a certain decadent tarriness. Lots of fresh, well-integrated acidity and a comfortable, warming, flattering drink. Polished, and already quite open. This wine was aged in new oak but has absorbed it well. 17.5/20 points (JR)
(11/2009)