Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2015

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.

'(It now has a bin number, for what it's worth: Bin 798) Glass-staining dense purple colour, with terrific saturation. It's very rich and ripe, concentrated and profound to sniff, but surprisingly less oaky than anticipated. The wine is massive and dense, full-bodied and powerful, tightly-packed and solid, with panforte, dark chocolate, fruitcake and sooty, tarry nuances. But the oak is superbly intertwined and does not stand out. The tannins are dense and smooth, coating the mouth. A top RWT.'
97 points, Huon Hooke.

"Matured for 16 months in French hogsheads (83% new). All the power and glory of full-bodied Barossa Valley shiraz achieved at (relatively) modest alcohol. French oak is another plus for a wine stacked - with extreme care - full of dark fruits and ripe, rounded tannins. Makes winemaking look easy, which of course it isn't. Length is the key to a great wine."
97 points, Wine Companion (August 2017)