Colour: A threatened crimson rim encroached upon by a deep, dark core.
Nose: Freshly sliced panforte – date, fig, with dried and fresh blue fruits that become more apparent upon sitting. Immediately recognisable cedary French oak - synergised by the liberation of sweet Moroccan spices and a propulsion of dried roasted almond. Conceded – can’t ‘smell’ acidity, so maybe such a perception is created via scents of rhubarb and cranberry?
Palate: This year more ostensibly textural than other red wines in The Penfolds Collection. Yet still supersaturated with red and blue-berried fruits and liquorices (both red and black). Proudly extolling a formidable Barossa structure – layered/laminated, rather than thick/blocky … (aka filo-pastry or) ‘filo-lated’?!
Tannin: Fine/emery/sleek/polished – all there to convey, not to confront. Lingers, ever so pleasantly. Once again spoilt by the generosity on the palate of what the Barossa does best.
Awards and Accolades
97 Points - James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion "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."
From the Winery
RWT Barossa Valley 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 lush texture. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa shiraz at the highest quality level.
Winter and spring rainfall were above average, creating an excellent start to the season. Relatively warm temperatures in August encouraged the vines out of dormancy early, with prevailing warmer than average conditions leading to early flowering. Spring was generally cooler and drier than average, with the low soil moisture slowing growth and leaving vines with nice open canopies. January temperatures were lower than usual, with the maximum temperatures being the coolest in 22 years. Without any extremes or stress the vines continued to ripen evenly leading into an early harvest. In February, hotter weather prevailed ensuring a fast and early grape intake.
Wine Analysis
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 6.8 g/L, pH: 3.61
Maturation
16 months in French oak hogsheads (83% new, 17% 1-y.o.)
Don't Pay: $200.00
WBW Rating: 97/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Barossa Valley, SA
Winemaker: Peter Gago
Drink now until: 2040
Alc/Vol: 14.5 %
