2001 Torbreck "Run Rig" Barossa Valley Shiraz

99 Points from Robert Parker: "The youngest Run Rig, the 2001, should equal the 1998 as it is almost a clone aromatically, texturally, and flavor-wise, just much younger. This opaque purple-colored beauty should flirt with perfection over the next 10-15 years. Torbreck’s flagship wine, the Run Rig, is made from 40- to 120-year-old Shiraz vines with some co-fermented Viognier (usually around 3%), tips the scales between 14-15% alcohol, and is aged 30 months in French oak."

99 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Utterly profound and a riveting example of Shiraz, the 2001 Torbreck Run Rig, 97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier that’s added just prior to bottling, delivers a spectacular bouquet of cassis, blackberry, graphite, bacon, and assorted savory, meaty characteristics that literally comes leaping out of the glass. Captivating on the palate as well, the wine delivers a full bodied, perfectly proportioned feel to go with a seamless, pure silk texture, beautiful purity of fruit, and impeccable balance, and a very long, brilliant finish. This is no doubt a big wine, but nothing is out of place and it is pure joy to drink. I would consume bottles over the coming 5-8 years, although it could age longer." (6/25/2011)

98 Points from Wine Spectator: "Amazingly supple, round and pure, smoothly polished to the point where the tannins almost disappear, but something is supporting the gorgeous blueberry, plum, mineral and subtle spice flavors to let them soar on and on through the extraordinarily long, fleshy finish." (9/15/2004)

93 Points Vinous: "(shiraz with 3% viognier) Full medium ruby. Aromatic nose combines black raspberry, cassis, chocolate, pipe tobacco, flowers and fruitcake. Huge, thick and dense, with super ripe yet bright flavors of crushed berries complicated by a saline quality. Super concentrated shiraz with terrific depth and sweetness of flavor. Finishes with sweet tannins and superb persistence. A very impressive shiraz that's kept fresh by a piquant note of cranberry. Particularly strong in the context of the vintage." (07/2004)

92 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "There are plenty of reasons the winery gives to account for this wine's hefty price: 125+-year-old vines; 70% new French oak; yields of a half-ton per acre; fruit costs about $7,400 (U.S.) per ton, and is all handpicked. Torbreck's investment pays off—the mixed-plum fruit is beautiful and rich, enveloped in smooth, chalky tannins. Mouthfeel is round and creamy; spicy black pepper aromas are subtle. 800 cases produced." (2/1/2004)