Penfolds - Shiraz RWT Bin 798 2017

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.

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. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa Shiraz at the highest quality level.

Think of RWT as an alter ego to Penfolds’ flagship Grange bottling; Grange is a multiregion blend of old-vine Shiraz from around South Australia and aged in American oak, while RWT is an expression of a single region and aged in French oak. Here the purity of Barossa Shiraz is complemented by a creamy, rich texture. Named “Red Winemaking Trial” during its development in the mid-1990s, this wine is no longer an experiment, but the name stuck and RWT has become a classic in its own right. The winemaking is overseen by Penfolds veteran Peter Gago.

Offers a lush, juicy mix of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry flavors that appears seamless, integrating with notes of amaretto, clove and lavender. Plush, juicy and very generous on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2034.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Red raspberries abound on the nose of the 2017 RWT Shiraz, which—as usual—is all Barossa fruit aged in French oak (70% new). It's full-bodied and velvety, with appealing notes of dried spices, beef and plenty of red fruit. There's a cedary veneer to this vintage, which looks as if it will need a couple of years to come together, then drink well for up to two decades.