With its feet steeped in stone soils, the Torbreck Les Amis is a wine with a heavy oak influence. Made for later, put it away and bring it out in 10 years+.
Tasted at the Torbreck new release launch, time in oak demonstrates the capacity of Grenache and puts pay to the theory that Grenache needs to be enjoyed young. This will age nicely.
Yes it's big and the oak is plentiful, but it will calm. The bones are there for a great wine, the only thing missing for now is the key element of patience. Cedar and sandalwood show prominently. Plums, boyesberry and some warming spices stand tall too. Cola and five spice lead an array of savoury things such as star anise and cloves particularly, but the cedar keeps sweeping through not to be forgotten. In all, is it even fair to look and judge this wine now? A quick look at the launch before moving on to other wines didn't do it justice. I would have loved to have seen the development in the glass over a few hours. For now, I suggest the investment of time will pay off.
Drink 2028 for ten years+
93/100
Source: Sample
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