Penfolds RWT Bin 798 Shiraz 2015

The initials RWT stand for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’, the name was 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.

97 Points - James Suckling

Spicy and earthy edge to the nose, graphite-like savoury aromas ahead of ripe dark plum and very tarry, coal dusty notes, some dried potpourri too. There's a deep-set palate, very smooth tannins roll out in a commanding fashion, almost never-ending finish. This is a long-term wine. Try from 2025 and for two decades after that.

96 Points - Decanter

Once again, this displays the hallmark RWT style of generosity, pleasure and sheer Shiraz fleshiness. Sourced entirely from the Barossa and aged for 16 months in French oak hogsheads (83% new), this is chock full of primary black fruit on the nose with a lovely floral scent of iris. The fruit on the palate has bright raspberry and blackberry jam as well as being richly laden with tar, vanilla, mocha, leather, fruitcake and tobacco. Lots of charm here with suave, supple tannins and vivid acidity giving cut, weave and bounce to the wine. Altogether very charming and extremely convincing.

95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Very deep garnet-purple coloured, the 2015 RWT Shiraz leaps from the glass with expressive blackberries, black raspberries and wild blueberry notes plus underlying Indian spices, Sichuan pepper, forest floor and fertile loam notes with a waft of charcuterie. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, it coats the palate with vibrant blackberry and spicy layers, framed by firm, rounded tannins and finishing on a lingering earthy note. One for the long haul!

94 Points - Wine Spectator

Tremendously deep and dark, with concentrated notes of wild blackberry, blueberry and huckleberry at the core, showing details of black licorice, gunpowder tea and black pepper that linger on the finish. Appealing for the density and focus. Long finish. Drink now through 2028.