A powerful, extremely exciting wine, framed by an almost impenetrable cladding of oak. And yet the density of the fruit is undeniable, defined by a piercing core of blueberry and kirsch, doused with iodine, beef brisket, anise and a savory sassafras note. Big and bolshy, forcing its way long by virtue of tenacity of extract and quality of tannins. The sort of tannins that roll through the mouth, eking a journey across every crevice. Really fine tannins. An accomplishment born of an exceptional vintage, quality material and wonderful management
The Penfolds RWT release is a sleek, polished rendition of Barossa Valley shiraz. Solid magenta/crimson in the glass with plush satsuma plum, blueberry and mulberry fruit notes. Hints of spice, dark chocolate, espresso, violets, licorice and earth. There's a plushness to the fruit as it hangs tautly off its canvas of fine-grained tannin, and a sense of detail that conveys opulence and elegance at once, trailing slowly with fine, Barossan style. JH
$1030
Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2020
RP
98
WS
95
JH
97
JS
98
The 2020 RWT Shiraz Bin 798 is a powerhouse of bloody fruit and firm tannin. It veritably explodes from the blocks, showing plum skin, raspberry leaf, blackberry, mulberry, lashings of salted licorice and rendered lamb fat. I am coming to love (in a big and serious way) the Barossa Shiraz' bottlings from 2020—the year was significantly down in yields, warm and dry, and responsible for wines of muscle, density and gravitas. So, too, for this wine. Excellent. RP