2005 Penfolds RWT Barossa Shiraz

Notes Sourced From Penfolds:
Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks of Grange, expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured only in French oak barriques. The initials RWT stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial', the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995. Naturally, now no longer a 'Trial' !

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

2005 saw a solid budburst and fruit set, followed by favourable growing conditions. Harvest was early by about two weeks but temperate conditions allowed for steady, continuous ripening. Warm, dry conditions prevailed during the harvest period culminating in many Barossa Valley Shiraz vineyards laden with grapes of exceptional flavour and structure. This wine was matured for 14 months in 70% new and 30% one-year-old French oak hogsheads.

Tasting Notes: A superb example of RWT. Opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Perfumed nose of cedar, blackberry and spice. Mouthfilling palate, flavours of cedar, spicy oak, vanilla, blackberry, mocha, dark chocolate and black pepper. Outstanding length and depth of flavour. Flavours of liquorice, liquorice all sorts, dark chocolate, black pepper, plum and spice, supported by velvet smooth tannins. Very long aftertaste.
Alc/Vol: 14.5%