1997 Penfolds RWT Barossa Shiraz

In the Penfolds tradition of trial and innovation a project in 1995 was embarked on titled 'RWT' - meaning 'Red Winemaking Trial' - to create a new Australian Shiraz integrating the rich, generous flavours of Barossa Valley Shiraz with the finesse of tightly-grained French oak. The result is a fine wine of great elegance and depth of flavour.RWT is second only to Grange in the Penfolds Shiraz hierarchy, although the two wines are stylistically different. RWT expresses shiraz more openly than Grange. This is partly a function of the grapes themselves and partly a result of maturation in French oak, rather than stronger, sweeter-flavoured American oak. RWT is opulent and voluptuous, and fleshy where Grange is muscular.Excellent rainfall in September and October and a warm March and April produced excellent Shiraz fruit in the Barossa Valley.This wine is being groomed as the new 'baby Grange'. Winemaker, Peter Gago is particularly pleased! The wine was matured for 12 months in 52% new French oak. The nose is impressive, with distinct aromas of earth, spice, violets and plum, with the violets component dominant over the earthy spice notes. The palate displays excellent length and persistence of flavour. Mouthfilling flavour of blackberry, truffle, cedar are supported by velvet smooth tannins. Perfect balance, followed by truffle and cedar aftertaste. Cellar 5-8 years. Extremely limited. 14% alcohol volume.