Torbreck RunRig Barossa Valley 2003

99 points Robert Parker: "The estate's flagship cuvee is the virtually perfect 2003 Run Rig. Made from 8 separate Barossa vineyards (ranging in age from 94 to 158 years), it is primarily Shiraz with 4-5% co-fermented Viognier included in the blend. The wine was aged in French oak of which 60% is new. The sensational, inky/purple-tinged 2003 exhibits a stunningly sweet nose of blackberries, blueberries, litchi nuts, smoked meats, and a hint of apricots. Elegant yet super-powerful, rich, concentrated, and long, it is a tour de force in winemaking as well as a modern classic example of Barossa Shiraz. It should drink well for 20-25 years. Drink 2006 - 2031. (Oct 2006)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A huge, ripe wine, the 2003 Torbreck Run Rig is a blend of 95% Shiraz (aged for 30 months in 60% new French oak) and 5% Viognier (aged for 6 months in barrel and added to the blend just prior to bottling.) Still purple with only slight lightening at the edges, the wine is bright and perfumed on the nose, with thick spice, chocolate ganache, underbrush, and bramble characteristics giving way to deep blackberry and raspberry styled fruit. Rock star on the palate, with a full bodied, powerful texture that turns more round and soft on the finish, but still showing ripe tannin, fantastic length, and overall solid balance, this beauty is delicious now, and should continue to evolve and age gracefully for another decade or more. (6/25/11)"

96 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Deep colour and hue; highly fragrant, spiced blackberry aromas; the intensity of flavour hits the mouth like a gale, the inbuilt tannins neither hard nor dry. Controlled oak. The '04 should be celestial. Closure: Cork. 14.5% alcohol. (2/11/06)"