2021 RWT Bin 798 Shiraz

The richly endowed 2021 Shiraz Bin 798 RWT delivers in spades with intense and well-defined blackberry, tempered chocolate, black olive and bay leaf aromas. A dense, drying palate follows. Grippy tannins provide a muscular feel through to a heavy set finish. It’s a little adolescent right now and needs time to settle.

Winter rainfall was 20% below the long-term average but a wetter-than-average August contributed to soil moisture for the commencement of the growing season. The temperatures from January to March were similar to the long-term average and conditions were mild over harvest. Aged for 14 months in French oak hogsheads (80% new, 20% one year old). TA 6.5 g/l, pH 3.69. Very dark. Some subtlety on the nose and palate with an almost Italian tanginess to it. Real energy here. We’re tasting fruit rather than winemaking! Real depth and raciness. Yes! (JR)

A powerful, extremely exciting wine, framed by an almost impenetrable cladding of oak. And yet the density of the fruit is undeniable, defined by a piercing core of blueberry and kirsch, doused with iodine, beef brisket, anise and a savory sassafras note. There is much, much more sitting in the cradle of youthful inscrutability. Big and bolshy, forcing its way long by virtue of tenacity of extract and quality of tannins. The sort of tannins that roll through the mouth, eking a journey across every crevice. Really fine tannins. An accomplishment born of an exceptional vintage, quality material and wonderful management. This will age exceptionally well and strikes me as among the very top wines of this new swag of releases.