
Penfolds Shiraz Bin 798 RWT 2017
#9 On Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2019 - Think of RWT as an alter ego to Penfolds’ flagship Grange bottling; Grange is a multi-region blend of old-vine Shiraz from around South Australia and aged in American oak, while RWT is an expression of a single region and aged in French oak. Here the purity of Barossa Shiraz is complemented by a creamy, rich texture. Named “Red Winemaking Trial” during its development in the mid-1990s, this wine is no longer an experiment, but the name stuck and RWT has become a classic in its own right. The winemaking is overseen by Penfolds veteran Peter Gago.
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. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa Shiraz at the highest quality level.
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.
96 Points - Wine Spectator Offers a lush, juicy mix of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry flavours that appears seamless, integrating with notes of amaretto, clove and lavender. Plush, juicy and very generous on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2034.
96 Points - James Suckling Stunning blueberries and mulberries here with a wealth of baking spices and red berries, as well as tarry notes and blackberries. It is all here. The palate has a super plush, rich and quite compressed tannin feel. Some firm and powerful moments, as the palate builds with plentiful spiced summer berries. Red plums and blackberries to close. Try from 2025.