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.
MATURATION:
12–15 months in (50–70% new) French oak hogsheads (300 litres).
FERMENTATION:
Stainless steel tanks with wax-lined/wooden header boards. Fermentation completed in barrel. The odd components vinified at Magill Estate in some years, e.g. Kalimna Block 3C and Gallasch material. - Winery
Aged in 51% new oak, all of which is French, the deep purple-black colored 2011 RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz reveals a gorgeous, black fruit and warm blueberry nose enhanced by violets and pepper notes with hints of tree bark and earth. Medium to full-bodied with a great amount of expressive flavor framed by firm, grainy tannins, the oak pokes out a bit on the long finish. Drink 2015 to 2028+. - Robert Parker 93+ Points
Ripe and supple, with a sense of transparency to raspberry, red plum, clove and espresso flavors, lingering on the expressive finish. Rich in flavor without being weighty. Best from 2016 through 2022. 564 cases imported. –HS - Wine Spectator Magazine 93 Points
Inky purple. Explosive dark berry and oak spice aromas are brightened by notes of black pepper and fresh lavender, with a smoky nuance building in the glass. Sappy, seamless and expansive, offering juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that slowly put on weight with air. Chewy tannins come up on the finish, with the smoke, floral and cherry notes echoing strongly. Not as opulent as this wine often is when young, but that's consistent with the vintage. -- Josh Raynolds - Vinous 92 Points
