Presentation
In the early 1990s, the RWT Shiraz, freed from its "trial" status, was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. The RWT has adopted a contemporary, opulent, and perfectly controlled style. An interesting contrast with the benchmark Grange, which is of a more concentrated, more structured, and more incisive style. The RWT is made from rigorously selected shiraz from the Barossa Valley for their aromatic expression, varietal typicity, tannic finesse, and ample texture. The aging in French oak barrels offers another contrast with the Grange. The result is a wine that redefines Barossa Valley shiraz at the highest quality level. While already charming upon release, the RWT Bin 798 offers the concentration and balance conducive to long aging.
The vintage
The 2024 vintage in the Barossa Valley contrasts sharply with the end of the 2023 season, marked by an early start and generally dry weather. Winter and spring precipitation were significantly below average, leading to early budburst in September, about three weeks ahead of normal, as well as significant exposure to spring frosts in September and October, reducing yields in some plots. A brief heat spike during flowering in November influenced fruit set, followed by favorable conditions in December and January. February was hot and dry, accelerating grape ripening and leading to early harvest, with most shiraz grapes picked in mid-March. An unusual heat episode in early March caused a short-lived stress, followed by a cooling off period allowing the harvest to be completed under good conditions.
Ageing
Aged for 14 months in French oak barrels (hogsheads), 82% of which are new and 18% from a wine.
Varietal
Syrah : 100%
Tasting
The generosity of Barossa Valley shiraz is elegantly and clearly expressed in the 2024 vintage of RWT. Aromatic, generous, and highly readable, this wine reflects a season marked by concentration and substance, harvested at full aromatic maturity.
Reviews
James Suckling
Wine Advocate
Decanter