2016 RWT Shiraz

The 2016 Shiraz RWT is a brilliant, brilliant wine, and I suspect the finest version of this cuvee ever produced. Thrilling notes of black raspberries, crème de cassis, toasted spice, mint, and espresso all emerge from this deep, rich, powerful Shiraz. With massive concentration, it still glides across the palate with no sensation of heaviness or rusticity, building, perfectly ripe tannins, and incredible opulence and intensity. It shows more grilled meat notes with time in the glass and is a monumental Barossa Shiraz that flirts with perfection.

The 2016 RWT Shiraz is Penfolds's embodiment of Barossa Valley Shiraz. Aged in French oak (72% new), it offers hints of vanilla and cedar, but more than anything, it showcases the region's bold berry and plum fruit. Full-bodied and rich, verging on decadent, yet firmly structured and long on the finish, it's a powerful yet elegant wine that is capable of being consumed young or aging up to two decades. Having embarked on a career in the wine business right around the time the first RWT was released, it's a treat to see how the latest version is showing. It's a relative bargain among the Penfolds upper echelon.

The 2016 Barossa Valley harvest was outstanding, for both yield and quality – a mild Indian summer led to even ripening. Almost all the fruit comes from vineyards they own. 12 months in (72% new) French oak hogsheads. TA 6.8 g/l, pH 3.72. Dark purple. Very savoury and fun on the nose. Balsam. Round and gorgeous already. Long and neat and pencil lead and something a bit Piemontese about it. Very appealing and interesting. Long. (JR)