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. The alphanumeric Bin designation 798 was bestowed upon the wine from the 2016 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 plush texture. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa shiraz at the highest quality level. RWT wines area built for the long haul, with the precision, concentration and balance to age for many years.

Tasting Note

Colour – Great depth of crimson. Lustre, brilliance

Nose – Blueberry RWT markers thrust ahead of goji berry and loganberry fruits. An aromatic swirl of choc/hazelnut/liquorice propels all that is RWT style and class. Thereon, lifted scents of just glazed crème brûlée and wafts of icing sugar. Barrel-ferment and ferric overtones gently bring all back down to ground level – Barossa iron/earths no less.

Palate – Viscous and lush. An immediate supple fleshiness, liveliness. At release, during this primary fruit stage – berried ice-cream and black forest cake fruits unfold – redcurrant and blackberry. Powdery tannins – silky and glossy – offer textbook velvet/cashmere texture. So smooth! Dense, verging on unctuous, without any reliance or concession to alcohol or oak. Wonderful length, depth, balance.

Maturation

16 months in French oak hogsheads (64% new and 36% 1-y.o.)

Vintage Conditions