2000 Penfolds RWT Barossa Shiraz

Notes sourced from Penfolds

Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regionalsourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks of Grange,expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured in Frenchoak hogsheads. The initials RWT stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial', thename given to the wine internally when developmental work began on it in1995.

RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Its style isopulent and fleshy, contrasting with Grange, which is more muscular andassertive. RWT is made from fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualitiesand fine texture rather than sheer intensity or power of flavour. The result isa wine that helps to redefine Barossa Shiraz at the highest quality level.

After a dry winter and cool conditions at fruit set, moderate conditions forripening were temporarily disrupted by a hot spell in late January. Someexcellent shiraz was harvested from the best-managed vineyards showingthe Barossa's hallmark fruit sweetness and ripe tannin structure. The 2000vintage will produce wines with fruit intensity and power, in a more forwardstyle than normal. Matured for 12 months in 60% new and 40% one-year-old French Oak.

Tasting Note: Deep crimson red. The nose is packed with vibrant mulberry and blueberry fruit aromas; the classic quality indicators for benchmark Barossa Shiraz. The oak is at one with the fruit - ideally integrated. The palate possesses a dense core of powerful, small-berried black fruit. Impressively poised, with an excellent fruit/oak balance, softened tannins, succulent mouthfeel and lingering flavours. A pot-pouri of Barossa flavour, warmth and unabashed generosity.
Alc/Vol: 14.0%
Drink 2003 – 2020