Penfolds "RWT Bin 798" Shiraz 2018 (Barossa Valley, Australia) - [WA 98] [JS 96] [DM 96] [WS 95] [VM 95]

Penfolds "RWT Bin 798" Shiraz 2018
(Barossa Valley, Australia) - [WA 98] [JS 96] [DM 96] [WS 95] [VM 95]


Regular price $208.00 Sale price $149.97 Save $58.03
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WA98 JS96 DM96 WS95 VM95
Size
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Notes from the Winemaker:
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.

WINE ANALYSIS:
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 6.9 g/L, pH: 3.58
Maturation: 16 months in French oak hogsheads (64% new and 36% one year old)

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep crimson/ferrous red
  • Nose: Vibrant. Red earth / Barossa dirt regional cues not hindered by a 15-month sojourn in French oak. Initially, a lift of trademark tar/bitumen and subtle V.A. ... above scents of assorted carpaccio meats, steak tartare, green olive, capers, rosemary. Upon sitting/swirling, patisserie scents of almond croissant, cinnamon bun ... and perhaps creme brulee glaze (oak-derived?).To repeat, very Barossa!
  • Palate: A firm and binding structure, medium-bodied. Focused/defined, yet still generous. Mouth-watering acidity clutching opulent fruits renders an impressive pathway cleaved across front/middle/back palate ... a pathway all ably assisted by chalky tannins and absorbed integrated oak. Currently youthful and energetic, yet this vintage already impatiently awaits its secondary and tertiary maturation phases. Tension. In the interim, partake.


Ratings & Reviews


98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Sourced only from the Barossa Valley, RWT is aged exclusively in French oak, giving it two major points of difference from the rest of the Penfolds range. Always a sexy, voluptuous wine (and admittedly a personal favorite), the 2018 RWT Shiraz ratchets that up to new heights in a great Barossa vintage, boasting layers of berry-like fruit, refined vanilla shadings and baking-spice notes, plus more exotic elements like star anise and cocoa powder. It's full-bodied and plush without being unstructured in any way, with a lingering, complex finish and the concentration to age two decades or more." -Joe Cerzinski (7/20)

96 Points - James Suckling:
“This has a very attractively fresh, showy feel to the nose with aromas of ripe red cherries, blackberries, goji berries and redcurrants, as well as red plums and some wild-herb and licorice notes on offer, too. Very expressive and fragrant. The palate has a super intense and powerful delivery of ripe red-cherry and plum flavors and immaculately fresh French oak (64% new) that really clasps and holds the finish long. The tannins are so ripe and well positioned. Drink over two decades." (July 2020)

96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Plush and opulent, this bombshell in a striking oak corset makes an exuberant entry, striding down the red carpet with its ample fruit talking in a bright, effusive voice. After that brassy entry it settles in the glass, its blackberry and brulée flavours singing softly atop a bed of powdery tannins, and the nutty, cedar tones framing a long finish. Having changed so much since its inaugural 1997 vintage, RWT ('Red Winemaking Trial') has never presented its fruit so voluptuously and immediately, with oak now part of the supporting cast rather than playing the star role." (7/2020)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Complex and intense, starting with a core of juicy crushed raspberry, cherry puree and huckleberry flavors, oozing with details of Earl Grey tea, vanilla bean, sandalwood and anise that swirl around on the long, expressive finish, backed by dense, muscular tannins. Powerful, but showing plenty of restraint and promise for the cellar. Drink now through 2045. 1,156 cases imported." — MW (8/20)

95 Points - Vinous:
"Opaque ruby. Dark berry liqueur, fruitcake, toasty oak and vanilla on the deeply perfumed nose. Coats the palate with sappy black and blue fruit, mocha and violet pastille flavors and vibrant mineral nuances add lift and back-end cut. Fleshy and deep but lively as well thanks to a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes on a youthfully tannic note, displaying sharp focus and superb persistence."  — Josh Raynolds (12*21)