Penfolds : RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2023

Characteristics and tasting tips for RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2023 from Penfolds

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance displays a deep violet color at the core, testifying to the intensity of this Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Nose
The bouquet reveals a rich spectrum of aromas, dominated by blue and black fruits: blueberry, blackberry, elderberry and black cherry. Fine violet and mulberry candy notes accompany summer pudding aromas. Aging in French oak barrels imparts cedar and sandalwood nuances, underpinned by warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom as well as a hint of chili. The whole is complemented by notes of vanilla bean, sweet pastry as well as woody and graphite nuances with a slight gunpowder tone.

Palate
On the palate, there is a perfect harmony between fruit and oak. The fine acidity carries rich black fruits and Satsuma plum. The nuanced tannins ensure a supple texture, accompanied by cherry-infused chocolate and hazelnut praline. Aromas of cola and sarsaparilla merge with crushed black pepper and nutmeg, lending subtle complexity.

Service and storage
The RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2023 can be tasted now, but will continue to evolve until around 2048.

A full-bodied and expressive red wine from Barossa Valley by Penfolds

The Estate
The epitome of excellence, the Penfolds estate has become a symbol of great Australian wines since the beginning of the 20th century, thanks in no small part to a bold personality: Mary Penfold. The famous Briton and her husband Christopher Rawson arrived in Australia in 1844 and quickly acquired a 200-hectare estate in the heart of Adelaide. Enthusiastic about this winegrowing region, Mary Penfold devoted herself wholeheartedly to the management of the estate, making it the largest wine producer in South Australia.

Marked by depth, elegance and complexity, the wines created by Penfolds have been celebrated by critics for decades and have received numerous awards for their quality.

The Vineyard
The RWT cuvée comes from Shiraz vines in the prestigious Barossa Valley zone, an emblematic terroir of Southern Australia, known for its world-renowned Shiraz.

The Vintage
The 2023 vintage in Barossa Valley was marked by typical winter rainfall, a hot September and a cool spring. Heavy rains in late October led to flooding and damage in the vineyards. Thunderstorms in November delayed flowering by three weeks and increased the risk of disease. Until December/January, the year was cooler than average, followed by a warmer and drier phase. Shiraz flowering in early December took place under optimal conditions. Large day-night temperature fluctuations promoted the ripening of sugar and phenolic compounds. The véraison of the Shiraz grapes on February 8 was delayed by three weeks. Hot days and cool nights during the harvest led to yields and quality that exceeded expectations despite the challenges in spring.

Vinification and aging
The RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz 2023 was aged for 14 months in French oak hogsheads, 69% new and 31% one-year-old barrels. This approach distinguishes RWT from Grange through the exclusive use of French oak and gives the wine its contemporary, opulent and refined character.

Grape Variety
100% Shiraz, the emblematic grape variety in Australia, which here unfolds its typical varietal characteristics and aromatic profile in the characteristic Penfolds style.