Penfolds 2023 allocation is here!

98+ Points - Andrew Caillard MW
19/20 Points - Matthew Jukes, mathewjukes.com
97 Points - Ned Goodwin, jamessuckling.com
98 Points - Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
"Sourced from the Barossa, this wine matures in French hogsheads for 14mnth, 80% of the new 20% one-year-old. A cracking red. Dark, almost opaque maroonin colour, there is finesse here. Red fruits, notably raspberries, with florals, cold tea, milk chocolate, hints of cloves and red cherry notes all combine to provide wonderful aromatics. Saturated flavors here, ensuring a more refined, more graceful wine. Bright acidity runs the length, which is seriously impressive. Everything in total harmony. A superb RWT" 

Commercial description
"The initials RWT stand for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’, the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in the early 1990s. Naturally, now no longer a ‘trial’, RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. The alphanumeric Bin designation 798 was bestowed upon the wine from the 2016 vintage. Stylistically, RWT is contemporary, opulent and finely tuned. An interesting contrast to the well-established Grange, which is a more concentrated, muscular and assertive style. RWT is made from Barossa Valley shiraz grapes primarily selected for their aromatic qualities, varietal typicity, fine tannins and plush texture. Maturation in French oak provides another contrast to Grange. The result is a wine that redefines Barossa Valley shiraz at the highest quality level. While delightfully approachable on release, RWT Bin 798 has the concentration and balance to age for many years.

GRAPE VARIETY Shiraz
VINEYARD REGION Barossa Valley
WINE ANALYSIS Alc/Vol: 14.5%, Acidity: 6.5 g/L, pH: 3.69
MATURATION 14 months in French oak hogsheads (80% new, 20% 1-y.o.)

VINTAGE CONDITIONS Winter rainfall was 20% below the long-term average due to low rainfall experienced in the month of July. However, a wetter than average August contributed to healthy soil moisture profiles for the commencement of the growing season. Spring temperatures were slightly warmer than average with excellent climatic conditions for budburst and flowering. The region recorded 21 days of summer temperatures >35°C. Apart from a few wet days in early February, the predicted La Niña failed to impact the Barossa Valley in any significant way. The temperatures from January to March were akin to the long-term average, with February slightly cooler. The mild conditions made for an orderly harvest, with shiraz grapes exhibiting strong varietal typicity. An excellent vintage for the Barossa Valley.

COLOUR Shiny, lustrous purple NOSE Herald the Barossa Valley! Lifted aromatics speak to the very heart of this celebrated region. Blue fruits are to the fore, fresh blueberry and mulberry with notes reminiscent of summer berry pudding served with fresh pouring cream. A pastry aroma conjures thoughts of blueberry torte. There are red fruits vying for attention, raspberry coulis, rhubarb crumble, red currant danish with icing sugar dusting. Admired fragrant floral notes of violet and lavender. The French oak is fully absorbed, balancing the fruit with subtle spice notes. Detected, cola, salty licorice and a hint of savoury green olive brine. Candied orange and Panettoni vie with bitter Belgium chocolate aromas. Just tanned leather, barrel ferment struck match and flint/gun metal notes round out a most intriguing nose. PALATE Powerful, opulent fruit. This wine has a substantial, dare we say imperious palate. The tannins polished, fine and mouth filling. Delicious, even at this relatively embryonic stage of its evolution. Flavours of crème brûlée, praline, hazelnut, bitter chinotto and fresh coffee grounds entice. From the chocolaterie, offers of coffee sweets and malted milk chocolates. Dark, brooding fruits add substantial weight to the palate, black currant, ripe plums and mulberries. An epic RWT, multi-layered, Barossa terroir expressed through a Penfolds/French oak lens."

PEAK DRINKING 2025 – 2055