2000 Penfolds “RWT” Barossa Valley – Shiraz

In celebration of the US National Day of Wine Drinking on Wednesday the usual gang had a themed evening of Shiraz (Syrah) as our varietal of choice. The 2000 Penfolds “RWT” (Red Winemaking Trial), the name given to the wine internally when development work began on it in 1995 was the last wine of the night and boy did it ever shine. Harvey Steinman of Wine Spectator had a really nice article in the October 18, 2008 issue entitled “Aging Australia’s Reds” and I would have to agree that Australian Shiraz of note is very age worthy.  :-)

Penfolds “Red Winemaking Trial” began in 1995 and was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. 

The 2000 Penfolds RWT that we had, was opened and left in the bottle for about an hour, and then later decanted to show it fullness.  RWT is made from fruit primarily selected for it’s aromatic qualities and fine texture rather than sheer intensity and power of flavor.

Winery: Penfolds

Region: Barossa Valley, Australia

Vintage: 2000 ( third vintage of RWT)

Alc: 14.0%

Notes: Aged 12 months in 60% new French Oak and 40% one-year old hogsheads. the winemaker is John Duval also the maker of Penfolds Grange the gold standard for Australian Shiraz.

Tasting: Deep dark red color in the glass still at nine years of age in the bottle. On the nose an opulent dark fruit bouquet consisting of blackberry, blueberry, dark plum, and currant, followed by black pepper, wild game, menthol, cigar box, wild mushrooms, root beer cola, black olives, eucalyptus, pencil lead, and a nice smokey essence. The wine is full-bodied, and round with nice mouth-filling weight on the palate. The tannins are smooth and integrated, but still present. The wine has impeccable balance and a very long finish that went on for several wonderful minutes.

This wine will continue to improve in the bottle for 3-5 more years IMO, and can be cellared and enjoyed until around 2020. We have two more and they will be sitting in the cellar some more

Rating: PC 94, JH 95