2021 Penfolds - RWT Bin 798 Shiraz - WoO Barossa Valley

Decanter.com – 94 pts – TG: *Barossa Valley grapes selected for their regional character, lifted aromas, fine tannins and plush texture comprise this cuvée, which began as a Red Winemaking Trial (RWT) project in the early 1990s and first released in 2000 with the 1997 vintage. It's always an impressively generous and bold-fruited style, showcasing the Barossa's characteristic opulent black and purple berry fruit, dark espresso-like earthiness and chocolatey-smooth tannins, but in this stellar vintage there pops of cured meat and black olive along with violet florals and sweet sesame paste. The 14 months in French oak hogsheads, 80% new, is supporting not intrusive and it is already pretty complete (…).* - 06/2023

JancisRobinson.com – 17,5/20pts – JR: *Winter rainfall was 20% below the long-term average but a wetter-than-average August contributed to soil moisture for the commencement of the growing season. The temperatures from January to March were similar to the long-term average and conditions were mild over harvest. Aged for 14 months in French oak hogsheads (80% new, 20% one year old). TA 6.5 g/l, pH 3.69. Very dark. Some subtlety on the nose and palate with an almost Italian tanginess to it. Real energy here. We’re tasting fruit rather than winemaking! Real depth and raciness. Yes!* - 06/2023

Vinous.com – 92+ pts – AH: *The richly endowed 2021 Shiraz Bin 798 RWT celivers in spades with intense and well-defined blckberry, tempered chocolate, black olive and bay leaf aromas. A dense, drying palate follows. Grippy tannins provide a muscular feel through to a heavy set finish. It’s a little adolescent right now and needs time to settle.* - 07/2023