Description

Penfolds 2017 RWT Shiraz
100% Shiraz | Alc: 14.5% – Big and Bold
South Australia, Australia

Winemaker’s notes:
Regional essence, aromatically strong. The 2017 vintage showing a finesse and polish which will serve as a date stamp in years to come. Made from Barossa Valley fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualities and lush texture. Single-origin Barossa Valley Shiraz matured for 15 months in French oak hogshead (70% new).
Vibrant. Red earth / ’Barossa dirt’ regional cues not hindered by a 15-month sojourn in French oak. Initially, a lift of trademark tar/bitumen and subtle V.A. … above scents of assorted carpaccio meats, steak tartare, green olive, capers, rosemary. Upon sitting/swirling, patisserie scents of almond croissant, cinnamon bun … and perhaps crème brûlée glaze (oak-derived?). To repeat, very Barossa!
A firm and binding structure, medium-bodied. Focused/defined, yet still generous. Mouth-watering acidity clutching opulent fruits renders an impressive pathway cleaved across front/middle/ back palate … a pathway all ably assisted by chalky tannins and absorbed integrated oak. Currently youthful and energetic, yet this vintage already impatiently awaits its secondary and tertiary maturation phases. Tension. In the interim, partake.

Critical Acclaim:
“Red raspberries abound on the nose of the 2017 RWT Shiraz, which—as usual—is all Barossa fruit aged in French oak (70% new). It’s full-bodied and velvety, with appealing notes of dried spices, beef and plenty of red fruit. There’s a cedary veneer to this vintage, which looks as if it will need a couple of years to come together, then drink well for up to two decades.” 95 Pts – Wine Advocate

“Stunning blueberries and mulberries here with a wealth of baking spices and red berries, as well as tarry notes and blackberries. It is all here. The palate has a super plush, rich and quite compressed tannin feel. Some firm and powerful moments, as the palate builds with plentiful spiced summer berries. Red plums and blackberries to close. Try from 2025.” 96 Pts – James Suckling

“Offers a lush, juicy mix of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry flavors that appears seamless, integrating with notes of amaretto, clove and lavender. Plush, juicy and very generous on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2034.” 96 Pts – Wine Spectator

#9 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2019

Winery

Tipsy Knitter Wines – Your Seattle based, online wine shop