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. The alphanumeric Bin designation 798 was bestowed upon the wine from the 2016 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 plush texture. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa shiraz at the highest quality level. RWT wines area built for the long haul, with the precision, concentration and balance to age for many years.
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. Since the 2014 vintage it has been allocated Bin number 798, based on the alpha-numeric telephone punch dial, to reflect its established status within the Penfolds portfolio. These wines have the precision, concentration, persistency and balance to age for many years. The best vintages should last at least thirty years.
Color
Onyx core, ruby rim
Nose
Sensory theatre – it’s all about the timing:
Arising unabashed: A floral fragrance
Ascending with a swirl: Saturated berried fruits à la glazed and atop Danish pastry avec custard.
Revealed upon sitting: French oak proclaimed via citrus/brine, caper/cedar and sandalwood markers.
Omnipresent: Cured meats embalmed in balsamic, anchovy paste and flowering thyme.
The aromatic stage is set – a distinctive Barossa backdrop with respectful Penfolds lighting.
Palate
Dark fruits affording viscosity and concentration.
Quince noted … and a little more (fig/cheese + balsamic?).
Vietnamese mint and anise indulge an admirable palate “cooling effect”/lift. Dusty tannins fused with cocoa chocolate dust.
Structurally confident - a defined backbone, Barossa weight and density.
The 2019 growing season was extremely dry and warm. In the 12 months to March, the region had only 61% of the long-term average rainfall. Spring temperatures were slightly below-average driven by lower minimum temperatures (-2.5°C) including two below 0°C events during September, which resulted in frost events on 4th September and 29th September. Summer was very warm, with December and January well above-average driven by a combination of both higher maximum and minimum temperatures. The Kalimna vineyard experienced 31 days of temperatures exceeding 35°C. While March was also dry, crucially it was not too hot allowing for an orderly harvest. Low yields delivered Barossa Valley shiraz with dark colours, intense depth of flavour and ripe firm tannin structure.
Peter joined the winemaking team in 1989, initially in the craftsmanship of sparkling wines, before moving on to reds as Penfolds Red Wine Maker. In 2002 Peter became the fourth ever Chief Winemaker for Penfolds. Together with his fellow winemakers, Peter’s careful custodianship has ensured that Grange and the other ‘older’ members of the Penfolds family, have continued to set the benchmark for their style and quality, while new additions to the range push the boundaries ever wider.
Alcohol % | 14.5% |
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Enclosure Type | Cork |
Oak Treatment | 18 months in French oak hogsheads (57% new, 43% 1-y.o.) |
pH | 3.56 |
Blend | Shiraz |
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