Penfolds : RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2020

A powerful and refined Australian Syrah

The estate

Voted New World Winery of the Year in 2013 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast magazine, Penfolds had already established itself as an icon of Australia's great wines thanks to the unparalleled determination of Mary Penfold in the 19th century. Certainly the co-founder of Penfolds devoted herself body and soul to making exceptional wines. Her life's work is reflected in the winery's success in establishing itself as a benchmark in Southern Australia. When Max Schubert joined the Penfolds venture in the 1950s, he brought to the estate's wines the elegance of the great Bordeaux wines that so fascinated him. Success was not long in coming when the cellar master signed his famous Grange cuvée, which crossed Australian borders to win the hearts of wine lovers around the world.

The wine

RWT, which stands for "Red Winemaking Trial," became the name for the wine which was the result of experiments carried out in the cellar in 1995. The winemakers were happy with the result and produced the 1997 vintage in 2000. Since 1996, the name "Bin 798" has been associated with it. This wine is marked by opulence and a fleshy profile. Highly aromatic grapes are used to make this Barossa Valley Shiraz. This concentrated, well-balanced, velvety-textured wine with great ageing potential proves to be one of the estate's finest wines.

The vintage

The 75% drought in autumn and winter did not affect the vines as, fortunately, rain fell in early spring, encouraging leaf growth. The warm days in spring accelerated flowering. However, high temperatures in January blocked ripening and delayed the harvest by 7 days. The Indian summer allowed optimal ripening of the berries. The 2020 vintage was very powerful.

Ageing

RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2020 was aged for 16 months in demi-muids of which 64% were new and 36% of one wine.

Blend

Shiraz.

Characteristics and tasting tips for Penfolds : RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2020

Tasting

Colour
This wine is of a deep crimson colour.

Nose
Red berries such as cranberry and redcurrant emerge along with powerful empyreumatic scents like chocolate. Sweet notes of vanilla and scents of the iron of Barossa Valley soil distinguish this wine.

Palate
This wine allures with its freshness and roundness. The red and black fruits detected as well as silky tannins and a velvety structure make this wine balanced and deep with a good length.

Food and wine pairing

Spicy meats go marvellously with this wine.

To serve

For the best temperature, serve between 16 and 18°C.

Storage

RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2020 from Penfolds can be tasted between 2022 and 2050.