2002 Penfolds RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz Winery: Penfolds Vintage: 2002 Region: Barossa Valley Bottle Size: 750ml Variety: Shiraz Price: $160.00 (out of stock)

RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2002

Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks of Grange, expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley shiraz matured in French oak barriques. The initials RWT stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial', the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995.

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.

Vineyard Region

Barossa Valley

Vintage Conditions

Regular winter rainfalls ensured ideal soil moisture levels and healthy vine growth. Spring and summer temperatures were amongst the lowest on record, which reduced yield potential, as well as slowing overall crop ripening to a crawl. A warm, dry autumn eventuated, which, combined with careful vineyard management, enabled the grapes to reach ideal ripeness.

Grape Variety

Shiraz (Syrah)

Maturation

This wine was matured for 14 months in 66% new and 34% one year old

French oak hogsheads.

Winemaker Comments:

Peter Gago - Penfolds Chief Winemaker

Colour

Deep red with a dark core.

Nose

A distinctly Barossa nose of dark chocolate, blueberry and a hint of liquorice. Stylish, 'glossy', oak provides an appealing bruleed, waxy lift. Such stylish shiraz fruit and seductive oak instantly invokes aromatic interest.

Palate

Mouthfilling and expansive, yet at the same time contained and tightly structured. The wine is bigger and richer than the cues afforded by the nose, and undeniably assertive and defined. A generously flavoured RWT with dark berried fruits and spice courted by pronounced ripe tannins, culminating in an impressive lingering finish. Layered, long and luscious with excellent aging potential.

Wine Analysis

Alc/Vol: 14.5%  Acidity: 6.60g/L  pH: 3.60

Last Tasted  

9 Dec 2004

Peak Drinking  

2006 - 2020

Food Matches

Ideally suited to Beef, Duck, Game& Lamb