Torbreck Les Amis 2017

A powerful old-vine Grenache with violets, redcurrant, wild raspberry and pomegranate layered with exotic spice, earth and smoky oak. The palate is concentrated and silky, with cleansing acidity, fine tannins and impressive texture carrying the vibrant fruit through a long finish.

Food Pairing: Pair with roast lamb, grilled beef, duck, venison, barbecue pork, mushroom dishes, or mature hard cheeses.

94 Points - James Suckling

David Slade’s grenache in Greenock delivers smaller berries and bunches. This has been elevaged in French oak barriques for 24 months. Pomegranate and spiced berry-pastry aromas, together with earthy, leathery and spicy character. The cooler vintage has delivered quite complex style. The palate has a very juicy feel with a bolder oak thread and quite a chiseled palate for grenache. Plenty of structure here. Drink or hold.

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Torbreck's ultrapolished, approachable style is on display here, but those who spurn new oak influence will run a mile. Made with French barrique (50% new), there's so much of it that it's currently blanketing the wine, giving it a coat of sweet vanilla cola. Hiding beneath are lovely, ripe black and blue fruit, flowers and spice. The palate shows more fruit purity, a silky texture and a fine tannin structure. The oak still dominates, though, and a flash of heat from the alcohol is visible, too. Give this another few years in bottle; the cellaring potential is there. Drink 2021–2028.