2010 Tasting Notes

Penfolds RWT Shiraz presents an admirable alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that area hallmarks of Grange, expressing instead, single-region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured only in French oak. The initials RWT stand for 'Red Winemaking Trial', the name given to the project internally when developmental work began in 1995. Naturally, now no longer a 'Trial' !

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.


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Older Tasting Notes

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Penfolds' alternative expression of shiraz, regionally appellated and matured in French oak

The development of Penfolds Red Winemaking Trial (RWT) reflects extraordinary progress in viticulture and winemaking. The two disciplines are increasingly intertwined, as growers and winemakers work together in search of optimum balance, ripeness and flavour.

RWT draws fruit from 20 to 100 year-old vineyards arcing across the west and north-west of the Barossa Valley, mostly independently grown. The best vineyards produce fruit of voluptuous intensity, ripe tannins, and juicy flavours. The RWT Shiraz has a very seductive style with a plum/blueberry fruit profile and fine ripe tannins underpinned by savoury French oak.

Since its first vintage in 1997, collectors have recognised the sheer class of RWT. Already the wine has a strong secondary market following, illustrating its collectability and cellaring potential.

  • Duck, red curry 'ice cream', split rice porridge, lychee, tamarind and pineapple
  • Rabbit, pork and duck terrine
  • Cassoulet
  • Wine Name & Year
  • Show Name & Year
  • Award & Class
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2006
    GOLD - Class 43
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2005
    Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2007
    GOLD - Class 46
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2007
    Perth Royal Wine Show 2009
    GOLD - Class 25
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2005
    Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2008
    GOLD
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2007
    GOLD - Class 51
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    The Vintage Cellars National Wine Show of Australia 2006
    GOLD - Class 25
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Wrest Point Royal Hobart International Wine Show 2006
    GOLD - Class 49
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Sydney Royal Wine Show 2007
    GOLD - Class 23
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2002
    The National Wine Show 2005
    GOLD - Class 38
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Barossa Wine Show 2005
    TROPHY - Class 9
    Trophy Details
    Tanunda Cellars Trophy for the Best Young Dry Red Shiraz
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Barossa Wine Show 2005
    TROPHY - Class 9
    Trophy Details
    Tanunda Cellars Trophy for the Best Young Dry Red, Shiraz
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Barossa Wine Show 2007
    TROPHY - Class 10
    Trophy Details
    The Lynas Valley Ford Trophy for the Best Varietal Shiraz, 2004 & older, Class 10
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Barossa Wine Show 2005
    TROPHY - Class 9
    Trophy Details
    The Rod Schubert Trophy for the Most Outstanding Barossa Red Wine, Premium Classes
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Barossa Wine Show 2005
    TOP GOLD - Class 9
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    National Wine Show of Australia 2007
    GOLD - Class 27
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Perth Royal Wine Show 2007
    GOLD - Class 35
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Barossa Wine Show 2007
    TOP GOLD - Class 10
  • Penfolds Icon & Luxury Range RWT 2004
    Bendigo Bank Royal Queensland Wine Show 2006
    GOLD - Class 31