1997 Penfolds RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz Winery: Penfolds Vintage: 1997 Region: Barossa Valley Bottle Size: 750ml Variety: Shiraz Price: $155.00 (out of stock)

RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 1997

In the Penfolds tradition of trial and innovation our winemakers embarked on a project in 1995 titled 'RWT' - meaning 'Red Winemaking Trial' - to create a new Australian Shiraz integrating the rich, generous flavours of Barossa Valley Shiraz with the finesse of tightly-grained French oak. The result is a fine wine of great elegance and depth of flavour.

RWT is second only to Grange in the Penfolds Shiraz hierarchy, although the two wines are stylistically different. RWT expresses Shiraz more openly than Grange. This is partly a function of the grapes themselves and partly a result of maturation in French oak, rather than stronger, sweeter-flavoured American oak. RWT is opulent and voluptuous, and fleshy where Grange is muscular.

Vineyard Region

Barossa Valley

Vintage Conditions

Excellent rainfall in September and October and a warm March and April produced excellent Shiraz fruit in the Barossa Valley.

Grape Variety

Shiraz (Syrah)

Maturation

12 months in French oak (50 per cent new).

Winemaker Comments:

John Duval

Colour

Deep crimson red.

Nose

This is a unique aromatic expression of the Barossa Valley - perfumed fruit with violet-like florals, dried mixed fruit and exotic spices. Berry fruit nuances rise above cedary French oak.

Palate

This has the hallmarks of a great Penfolds red wine - superb structure, excellent oak integration, great palate weight and rich fruit. The sweet, rich and generous dark berried Shiraz flavours make a strong, clear statement. Pronounced savoury, cold roasted meat flavours combine with stylish, integrated oak and velvety tannins to promote a long, persistent finish.

Wine Analysis

Alc/Vol: 14.5%

Acidity: 6.60g/L

pH: 3.52

Last Tasted

27 Jul 2000

Peak Drinking

Now - 2015

Food Matches

Ideally suited to Duck & Game, Beef, Cheese