Penfolds, Bin 798 RWT Shiraz, Barossa Valley 2021 - 75cl

RWT stands for “Red Winemaking Trial”, which rather undersells it. When Penfolds launched it in the late 1990s, the idea was to show what Barossa Shiraz could do in French oak — a deliberate counterpoint to Grange and its signature American oak. The result is more perfumed and elegant, and it has become a benchmark in its own right.

The 2021 is drawn from prized Barossa fruit and it is a beauty. The French oak lends a floral, aromatic edge you do not always get in the region — violets and dark spice sitting over blackberry and black cherry. There is dark chocolate and a fine cedary spice, but the whole thing feels plush and polished rather than muscular. The palate is full but supple, with velvety tannins, generous dark fruit and a long, spiced finish. It is Barossa Shiraz with its collar turned up.

Approachable enough to enjoy now with a decant, but with the depth to develop over fifteen years and more.

How to Serve

Serve at 16–18°C. Decant for an hour to let the perfume unfurl.

Where to Drink It

A wine to show off a little: The Connaught, Scott's in Mayfair, or Brat for the fire-cooked meats.

Food Pairings

Roast lamb with anchovy and rosemary, seared venison, or duck. Rich, savoury plates that echo its dark-fruited depth.