Penfolds RWT 2010, Barossa Valley
One could consider Penfolds RWT as the antithesis of what Penfolds is known for- utilising their vast holdings of premium vineyards across South Australia-RWT is not only sourced from a singular region, the Barossa, but it is also matured in French oak as opposed the American favoured for other Luxury Release wines like Grange. That un-attachment to any vineyards (like St. Henri) any bin numbers (like 407, 707) and any tradition means that this RWT trial thing can get whatever best grape across the region. And we certainly that freedom helps makers to full express through RWT.
Unique on it right, RWT is to show all the beautiful primary fruit characters the region is known for like blueberry, ripe cherry and dark plum notes that are intermingled with a smattering of robust dark chocolate that gives the wine true masculinity in a contemporary interpretation-fine, chewing aromatic fruit and fine texture rather than sheer intensity or power of flavor
So drinking RWT, to most of the members from my 2 Tasting Team Fatloon G and Quatjin K, got that exciting trial-like feeling and yearning, pointing to lots of modernity and advanced. That feeling from fellow tasters of the 2 Teams, I feel, may well have mirrored from RWT winemakers’ comments on RWT 2010 from the blog site,
‘Penfolds RWT Shiraz has been widely hailed as an impressive extension of the Penfolds "House Style" - a wine with an indelible Penfolds stamp, offering a contemporary expression of the finest elements of Barossa Valley Shiraz.’ Heroes always seem to think alike.
This 2010 vintage was classed ‘Excellent’ in Layton’s book; my friends from the Wine Circles of Canada gave hip and original descriptions, saying it is ‘the Super Second’ in the Penfolds Collection. This RWT 2010 gives no haste, no kerfuffle, no showmanship, nor any bluster because this just arrives in a state of complete control. Decanting an hour or two before drinking is strongly recommended.
I attached also the best comments from the prestigious, acclaimed writers.
Critical Acclaim
WE97
Wine Enthusiast - "This shows the strength of the 2010 vintage in the Barossa Valley, marrying incredibly ripe fruit with seamless structure. Cinnamon and vanilla notes from the French oak blend easily into blueberry fruit, all grounded by hints of dark chocolate and umami. It’s full bodied, lushly textured almost to the point of creaminess and long—ridiculously long—on the finish. Drink 2018–2030 and possibly beyond."
JH96
Australian Wine Companion - "Year in and year out there is an understated quietness to this wine that speaks volumes about the style, as everything is working together as one; the fruit, the oak, the tannins and the inherent complexity of some seriously old vine Barossa material shines through; freshness, vitality, harmony and age worthy are just a few descriptors that do this excellent rendition of RWT justice."
WS93
Wine Spectator - "Firm tannins surround a generous core of black cherry, red plum, tobacco and crème brûlée flavors that come together smoothly and expressively. Lifts its intensity a bit on the finish to let the flavors shine."
RP93+
The Wine Advocate - "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 RWT Shiraz is a little closed showing intense and youthful primary aromas of cassis, kirsch, cedar, prunes and a touch of mulberries. Rich, muscular, packed with flavor, it is full-bodied, concentrated and finishes long with oak still poking out. Very youthful still, it will drink from 2014 to 2026+.
W&S90
Wine & Spirits - "Grange-level Barossa shiraz enriched by aging in new French oak. The style brings chocolate-smooth tannins to bear on tight, tense and floral fruit, polishing away any and all rusticity. The only edge is a touch of volatility, reading as flamed orange zest. This will need years in the cellar to show off the quality and character of this fruit. "
