Penfolds RWT Barossa Shiraz 2001
When Penfolds introduced this curiously-named wine (RWT stands for Red Wine Trial) in 1997, it filled a striking gap: Penfolds in fact had no Barossa regional Shiraz in its portfolio. It also neatly fills the gap between Magill Estate and Grange. James Halliday
Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional
sourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks to Grange,
expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured in French
oak hogsheads. The initials RWT stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial', the
name given to the wine internally when developmental work began on it in
1995. 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. Penfolds
