Back in 1998 Chief Winemaker, Chris Hatcher, decided it was time to take Wolf Blass into the modern world and the result was a single varietal Shiraz that was 100% aged in French Oak, unlike their famous flagship the Black Label which is a blend and aged in American Oak. A wonderful contemporary version of Wolf Blass that is a cavalcade of rich blueberry, blackberry and complex elements of dark chocolate and warm spice. Superbly long on the palate with an obvious hint to a long future in the cellar.
Penfolds RWT Shiraz is a big juicy Barossan Shiraz refined by the use of older French oak barrels. 1998 is considered to be one of the classic vintages of the modern age. Drinking wonderfully now but with many years still to come in its development, this is a great addition to any cellar.
Penfolds St Henri is one of Australia's greatest red wines. The Shiraz for St Henri is selected for subtlety and elegance and the finished wine has the structure complexity for extended bottle maturation. The 1991 is a classic St Henri vintage that is good to drink until 2022.
One of Australia's true great wine treasures, Henschke produce a range of wines that are the envy of most. Keyneton Estate is often the first premium wine from this most famous of producers that people try. As such, the attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship of this wine is a testament to the vision and passion of Stephen and Prue Henschke.
Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier began its life after a career defining trip to the Côte-Rôtie in the mid 90s which set Tim Kirk on the journey towards producing one of Australia's best Shiraz. Determined to show that Australia could produce elegant but still powerful Shiraz, Tim's work has paid off with his flagship being acclaimed worldwide. In only 15 years, the Shiraz Viognier has attained 'Exceptional' status with Langton's, the highest possible.
The 2021 Don Shiraz benefited from the 2020/2021 growing season's respite from previous hot and dry conditions, with abundant winter rain leading to healthy vineyards and slightly above-average crop sets. Despite a dry summer, early canopy growth sustained the fruit, which developed flavor and ripeness early, allowing for harvest with lower sugar and higher natural acidity. The fruit arrived in perfect condition, and the resulting wines from this vintage are noted for their freshness, depth, and personality, marking 2021 as a standout year. Vinification included a natural soak followed by a week of natural fermentation, with careful extraction methods employed throughout. Post-fermentation, the wine was basket-pressed and underwent malolactic fermentation in oak. The 2021 Don Shiraz opens with a quiet assertiveness, revealing earthy and spicy notes indicative of a cooler harvest. As it unwinds, powerful aromas of red berries, leather, and dark chocolate emerge. The palate is refined and balanced, with assertive tannins, crisp acidity, and restrained opulence. The true depth and complexity of this vintage will unfold over time, promising a remarkable wine experience. Alc. 14.8%
Henschke Mount Edelstone is one of the most important single vineyard sites in Australia. The 90 year old vines has been producing a single vineyard Shiraz since 1952 and is one of Australia's truly great wines. The nose has sweet ripe plum and blueberry aromas and the palate is intense and deeply flavoured. While enjoyable upon release, this is a wine that will enjoy a decade or more in the cellar.
The initials RWT stand for Red Winemaking Trial, the name given to the project internally by Penfolds when developmental work began in 1995. No longer a trial, RWT Shiraz was launched in 2000. Its style is opulent and fleshy, made from fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualities and plush texture. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa shiraz at the highest quality level.Peak drinking: 2022 - 2050