Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2000 750ml

Wine Journal #0912, June 2012 by Neal Martin
The millennial RWT has a raucous nose that soars from the glass with almost over-powering scents of camphor, orange blossom, tomato juice and eau-de-vie. To be frank, I find the aromatics a little vulgar and uncouth. The palate is full-bodied, decadent, powerful and ravishing with layers of almost unctuous, honeyed fruit. This is a full-throttle Barossa Shiraz that could not give too hoots about finesse or refinement, but aims straight for hedonism. It is the kind of Shiraz you know you should detest, but cannot help drinking. Drink now-2020. Tasted June 2012.

With over 165 years of winemaking experience, the Penfolds winemaking tradition is both firmly established and well proven. It is a way of life; no more evident than in the fact that most members of the winemaking team have worked over twenty vintages each at Penfolds.
Experience has created a tradition of excellence, which in turn has led to the production of quality Australian wines, recognised the world over.
Penfolds has managed to create a truly unique and distinctive winemaking signature the Penfolds stamp, of which every member of the Penfolds winemaking team is immensely and justifiably proud.
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. It 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.

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