2022 Penfold's RWT Bin 798

The 2022 RWT Bin 798 is archetypal Barossa Shiraz: it has red earth, ironstone, mulberry, blood plum, sumac spices and dried herbs in profusion. The wine is earthy, tannic and ripe, with a framing of charry oak. I find this to be muscular, dense, intense and super concentrated, and for lovers of the RWT style, this will likely cement itself as one of the greats. It is a massive wine, well-handled and powerful. It matured for 14 months in French oak hogsheads, 67% new. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

This 2022 Shiraz RWT Bin 798 from Barossa Valley has decadent levels of flavors, wound up in a deep pool of muscular tannins that promise a very long life. Bold and expressive, it almost fills the room with tarry, meaty, bloody aromas and a powerful undertow of French oak. A tighter palate follows, with blackberry and blueberry flavors building slowly through a rich, full-flavored finish. Far from ready to drink now, but will reward the (very) patient

Full bottle 1,441 g. Aged 14 months in French oak hogsheads (67% new, 29% second use, 4% third use). This ‘red winemaking trial’ is designed to be more approachable than Grange. Very dark blackish crimson. Aromatic start and then a little pinched and drying on the finish. I know it’s meant to be opulent but I’m not sure it is in this case. Definitely needs time. But the very lively fruit on the end suggests there’s a fine future eventually in view. Relatively refined Barossa Shiraz. (JR)