**2012 Torbreck The Laird [Syrah] 750**

The 2012 Torbreck The Laird is a distinguished Syrah hailing from the Barossa Valley in South Australia. Produced by Torbreck, this red wine is notable for its robust 15.5% alcohol content and traditional cork closure. Only 125 cases were made, making it a rare find.

This vintage has garnered significant attention from professional reviewers. **Wine Spectator** awarded it an impressive score of 97, describing the wine as "powerful, polished, and smooth." The review highlights its "heady aromas of sandalwood, sarsaparilla, pepper, and cigar box," which transition into "dark fruit flavors and a slice of toasted date nut bread." Notably, the wine maintains its elegance with "grace notes of Earl Grey tea and dried violet that linger," and is recommended for consumption from now through 2035.

**Robert Parker's Wine Advocate** gave the 2012 The Laird a perfect score of 100, calling it "stunning." Reviewer Lisa Perrotti-Brown noted its "deep garnet color with a touch of remaining purple at the rim," and described it as a wine you could "just go on smelling all day." The complex perfume includes "kirsch, dried mulberries, blackberry tart, and spice cake over cloves, mocha, dusty earth, incense, star anise, yeast extract, and aged beef." On the palate, it is "drop-dead seductive," with layers of "exotic spice, meat, earth, and berry preserves," supported by "firm, velvety tannins and seamless acid." Perrotti-Brown emphasizes the wine's long-lasting finish, which "seems to go on forever."

**James Suckling** also praised this Syrah, awarding it a score of 96. He noted its "aromas of ash, stone, licorice, and wild mushroom," complemented by "moss" and "basil." Suckling described the wine as having a "full body" with "firm and silky tannins," and remarked on its "so much spice and cumin" along with "black pepper." He concluded that it "goes on for minutes" and is "racy" and "ready" for consumption now.

In summary, the 2012 Torbreck The Laird is a highly acclaimed Syrah, celebrated for its complex aromas, rich flavors, and long-lasting finish. Its high scores from notable reviewers underscore its exceptional quality and potential for aging.