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Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2008
Syrah/Shiraz from Barossa Valley, Australia
ratings pedigree (past vintages):
winemaker's notes:
The 2000 vintage of this wine was ranked #6 on the Wine Spectator's Top 10 Wines of 2003
Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that area hallmarks of Grange, expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured only in French oak. 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.
Color: Redefines 'black'! Certainly on 1/25/11,
foreboding!
Nose: An animated aromatic conversation with the
darker elements of Barossa Valley Shiraz... "it
smells black"! A coal-like blackness, replete with
peat.
Brooding. Concentrated.
Thankfully, redeeming & alluring perfumed
high-notes ascend - blueberry and dark plum,
wafts of a ristretto coffee.
Palate: Dense & intense - with vibrance, unctuousness...
delivering all the now-expected RWT cachets. "A
blueberry pie in a 750ml glass package!" And yet
the darkness prevails... inky, boot polish, freshlypolished
new black leather.
Almost a glycerol/oily mid-palate - texturally
close to a custard/chocolate eclair! A suggestion
of oak and an avalanche of pronounced ripe &
silky tannins complete the offer.
A vinous 'Edge of Darkness'!
alcohol by volume:
14.5%
critical acclaim:
"Glorious, deep crimson-purple, with an alluring bouquet of black fruits, spice and cedary oak contributed by 14 months' maturation in 83% new French hogsheads. The medium- to full-bodied palate has layer-upon-layer of velvety blackberry fruit allied with notes of dark chocolate and a sprinkle of licorice and spice, silky tannins and quality oak completing the package.
"
96 Points
Australian Wine Companion
"A bit shy on the nose but dense in the mouth, with brilliant blueberry, plum and white pepper flavors, coming together smoothly on the finish and lingering expressively. Drink now through 2020."
93 Points
Wine Spectator
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2008 RWT Shiraz presents quite a lot of cedar over notes of pure blackberry and black cherry fruit with hints of cinnamon stick, toast and underbrush. Medium bodied, concentrated and taut in the mouth, it has firm, grainy tannins and crisp acidity, finishing long. A little disjointed at this stage, it needs time to marry and should drink best 2014 to 2023+.
93+"
93 Points
The Wine Advocate
"Deep violet. Complex bouquet of red and dark berries is complemented by smoky minerals, potpourri, anise and black pepper. Rich but focused on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and cassis flavors, a velvety texture and strong mineral snap. This elegant,precise wine boasts impressive finishing sweetness. For such a rich wine, this is very graceful and surprisingly approachable, although it's built to age.
"
93 Points
International Wine Cellar
"Made from Grange-level fruit fermented in French oak hogsheads (mostly new, rather than the 100% new American oak hogsheads used for Grange), RWT is a floral shiraz in 2008, with tension built into the fruit, acidity and tannins. Savory herb, tart cherry and mushroom earthiness vie for attention in the finish. The French oak gives it a clean, sleek line, sustaining the balance and potential for long aging."
92 Points
Wine & Spirits
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