2001 Torbreck Shiraz RunRig
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
No RunRig was made in 2000. The 2001 RunRig features six single vineyards, an increase from the two or three that went into the RunRig wines from the 1990s. The nose is more restrained than the previous wines, and the palate is as well, with an undeniable power that surges through the finish. This is tightly wound and closed for the most part, with length that continues long after the wine is gone. This bodes well for its future. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
(shiraz with 3% viognier) Full medium ruby. Aromatic nose combines black raspberry, cassis, chocolate, pipe tobacco, flowers and fruitcake. Huge, thick and dense, with superripe yet bright flavors of crushed berries complicated by a saline quality. Superconcentrated 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.
This lauded wine is made from Shiraz vines of between 100 and 156 years old, apparently, and contains 3% Viognier, right from the pioneering first vintage 1995 . Blackish crimson. Big and bold and rich. Just too caricature and exaggerated for me. Where is the gentleness of wine here? It's an assault! Though doubtless the style will appeal to some. (JR)