2011 Penfolds Shiraz RWT

Inky purple. Explosive dark berry and oak spice aromas are brightened by notes of black pepper and fresh lavender, with a smoky nuance building in the glass. Sappy, seamless and expansive, offering juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that slowly put on weight with air. Chewy tannins come up on the finish, with the smoke, floral and cherry notes echoing strongly. Not as opulent as this wine often is when young, but that's consistent with the vintage.

The initials RWT stand for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’, the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995. RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Its style is intended to be opulent and fleshy, contrasting with Grange, which is more muscular and assertive. TA 6.7 g/l, pH 3.7. 12 months in French oak hogsheads (51% new, 49% one-year-old). 100% oak fermented. Dark with black core. Rich, dark and spicy and generous. Mix of red and dark fruit on the palate. Juniper and violets too. Some blueberrry. Thick ripe chewy tannins. Obviously well made and glossy but not my favourite style of Shiraz. (JH)

Aged in 51 new oak, all of which is French, the deep purple-black colored 2011 RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz reveals a gorgeous, black fruit and warm blueberry nose enhanced by violets and pepper notes with hints of tree bark and earth. Medium to full-bodied with a great amount of expressive flavor framed by firm, grainy tannins, the oak pokes out a bit on the long finish. Drink 2015 to 2028+.