Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2013

RWT: Rather Wonderful and Terrific.*

A bright, deep red in colour, Penfolds RWT Shiraz is abundant with fruit and spice aromas. Initially, the nose is treated to boysenberry and mulberry, followed by Moroccan spices laced with malt and mustard seed. Then, hints of nuts and cedar oak intermingle with the scents of freshly glazed figs and brandy snaps.

This fruitiness follows onto the palate where luscious cranberry and blueberry flavours are found. Stylish, balanced and persistent, the wine provides pronounced tannins that are accompanied with a flow of Barossa fruits.

*RWT actually stands for Red Winemaking Trial but fortunately for us it made it past the trials and on to our tables back in 2000!

Penfolds have owned and leased vineyards as well as sourcing grapes from independent growers for over 170 years, from some of the most celebrated viticultural regions across South Australia. Introduced in 1860 by Mary Penfold, this multi-vineyard/multi-regional sourcing incentive enables Penfolds to provide consistency of style and quality across their vintages.

They source their grapes from more than 220 vineyards and independent growers from key regions such as Adelaide, the Barossa Valley, the Clare Valley, Coonawarra, Limestone Coast and McLaren Vale. They choose the cooler climate regions of Tumbarumba in New South Wales, Henty in Southern Victoria and Tasmania for the fruits for their white wines.

Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker, joined the team in 1989 after graduating as top of his class with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Oenology) from Roseworthy College, Adelaide. Initially crafting sparkling wines, Gago soon took interest in the making of red wines and after some time he took on the role of Penfolds Red Wine Oenologist. He swiftly became an integral part of the team with a natural understanding and passion for making wines, and in 2002 he succeeded John Duval as Penfolds Chief Winemaker. Gago's name is often celebrated for bringing the successes of Australian wines to light and in 2012 he was presented with the 'Winemark's Winemaker' award.

RWT stands for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’, the internal name given to the project when its developmental work began back in 1995. Luckily for us, it made it past the trials and was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage.

Opulent and fleshy, the RWT is made from specially selected fruits that were chosen for their aromatic qualities and fine texture. The resulting wine is one that helps to redefine Barossa Valley Shiraz at the highest quality.