2024 RWT Bin 798 Shiraz
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Tasting notes
The 2024 RWT Bin 798 was sourced exclusively from the Barossa Valley, where the 2024 vintage performed exceptionally. The initials RWT stand for "Red Winemaking Trial," the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in the early 1990s. Now no longer a "trial," RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Aromatically, the wine leads with a profusion of gravelly, earthy red and purple fruit, loads of tannins, pencilly oak and, just generally, loads of everything—lashings. I tend to respect the confidence of this cuvée; it is ever this way—muscly and structural, with an abundance of fruit but just as much tannin. It feels like the place more than the house. It matured for 14 months in French oak hogsheads (82% new, 18% one-year-old). 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
There's an immediate feel of class and intensity here with a high level of sophistication. Aromas of blood plum, blackberries, bitter chocolate, walnut, mint and violets. The palate balances freshness and intensity with firm yet silky tannins, bright acidity and an unctuous, velvety mouthfeel packed with dark fruits, spice, coffee bean, ash and a ferric earthy undertone. Decades ahead here, although it's hard not to love it right now. Drink or hold.
After almost 30 vintages, the RWT isn’t really a ‘red winemaking trial’ any more: a hefty 14.5% abv. Aged for 14 months in French oak hogsheads, 82% new, 18% one year old. Quite fresh, lifted, bright fruit, crunchy berries. Snappy, blueberry-like pop of tangy fruit and astringency on the tongue. Fine, powdery tannins draped across the palate. More reserved and less immediately seductive than previous vintages of RWT – maybe it will fill out with time? ~Max Allen
No longer a Red Winemaking Trial, the moniker has stuck for Bin 798, which is a showcase for fragrant Barossa fruit wrapped in a polished veneer of French oak (hogsheads, 82% new). This vintage features a dense and currently rather stern palate, its lingering core of ripe black fruit framed by fine, powdery tannins. Engaging aromatics, with a floral lift of violets and lavender, blackberries, blueberries, coffee, dark chocolate, white pepper and furniture polish, hint at much more to come as this wine evolves in the cellar.
About the producer
Penfolds is Australia’s most famous wine producer, known best for their iconic top wine, Grange. First produced commercially in 1952, Grange has since gone on to become one of the world’s most famous fine wines. In 2001, the wine was listed as an Australian heritage icon.