Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2013

Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks of Grange, expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured only in French oak. The initials RWT stand for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’, the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995. Naturally, now no longer a ‘Trial’ RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Its style is opulent and fleshy, contrasting with Grange, which is more muscular and assertive. RWT is made from fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualities and fine texture rather than sheer intensity or power of flavour. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa Shiraz at the highest quality level.

17 months in French hogsheads (57% new). Excellent depth and hue to the colour; French oak is a point of difference, not simply for the sake of difference, but as part of the superstructure of a very complex wine. The tannins could trick you into believing it is cabernet, not shiraz, as does the crossover of blackberry and blackcurrant. Its chemical analysis does not point to above-average acidity, but here, too, there is an exclamation mark. This is a serious wine of the kind one might expect from the northern end of the Rhone Valley. 96 points
James Halliday's Wine Companion

“Inky colour. Rich perfume, deep and dark, graphite, briar, berries, stewed plums, really attractive dense scents. It sucks you in from the start; such perfume. Sleek texture, really dense and inward coil, train tracks of molten, chewy tannins, incredible length – such length. It’s a superb wine this; so potent and so complex. Could be the best RWT” – 96 Points Mike Bennie

“Deep red colour with a good strong purple tint. The bouquet opens with lots of walnut, oak-derived aromas; dry spices too, and a hint of dried bayleaf. The palate is full-bodied and firm, really firm, the tannins driving the wine long through the palate. It’s as tightly bunched as the proverbial iron fist in the velvet glove – but more fist than velvet at this stage. Excellent potential. Further cellaring essential” – 95 Points Huon Hooke