95 Points James Halliday — Penfolds' Benchmark Barossa Shiraz, Aged in French Oak

My Wine Man on Penfolds RWT

RWT — Red Winemaking Trial — was first produced in 1997 as Penfolds' bold experiment to answer a question that had long divided the wine world: what would happen if the Barossa's greatest Shiraz fruit was aged in French oak rather than the American oak that defines Grange? The answer was extraordinary. RWT delivers all the power, concentration, and depth of Barossa Shiraz, but with a more refined, savoury, and European character that sets it apart from anything else in the Penfolds portfolio. Sourced entirely from Barossa Valley fruit — the same vineyards that contribute to Grange — RWT is matured in 100% French oak, producing a wine of remarkable elegance and complexity. The 2004 vintage was one of the finest in Barossa history, delivering exceptional fruit concentration and natural structure that has rewarded over two decades of patient cellaring. Gold Medal, National Wine Show 2006.

Tasting Notes

While the toasty, charry oak is evident, the wine comes together beautifully on the medium- to full-bodied palate, which has outstanding line and length. Over two decades of bottle age have added layers of dark fruit, leather, dried herb, and savoury spice that weave seamlessly through the wine's Barossa core. The French oak integration is seamless — adding structure and complexity without dominating the fruit. 95 Points — James Halliday. Gold Medal, National Wine Show 2006.

Style & Drinking Window

Full-bodied and powerfully structured, the 2004 Penfolds RWT is now in its prime mature drinking window after more than two decades of cellaring. The French oak has fully integrated into the wine's dark fruit core, delivering a seamless, complex whole of extraordinary depth and persistence. Drink now through 2030. Decant for a minimum of 60–90 minutes to allow the full aromatic complexity to unfold. Serve at 17–19°C.

Food Pairing

The powerful dark fruit, toasty French oak, and outstanding line and length of the 2004 Penfolds RWT Shiraz make it a magnificent match for Cape Grim Grass-Fed Rib Eye Steak from My Meat Man. The wine's dark fruit intensity and savoury French oak complexity complement the rich marbling and deep beefy flavour of Cape Grim rib eye beautifully — whether grilled over charcoal, pan-seared with a herb butter finish, or served with a classic red wine reduction.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$1,188, the 2004 Penfolds RWT Shiraz represents exceptional value for a 95-point, Gold Medal Barossa Shiraz from one of the world's most celebrated wine estates. RWT is consistently one of the most sought-after wines in the Penfolds portfolio, and the 2004 vintage — from one of the Barossa's finest recent years — is increasingly difficult to find at any price. For the collector or wine lover who wants to experience Penfolds' French oak experiment at its most compelling and mature, this is a rare and outstanding opportunity.

Looking for a Different Style?

- 2020 John Duval Entity Shiraz — Barossa benchmark from a Penfolds legend, concentrated and finely structured
- 2012 Torbreck RunRig Shiraz Viognier — Barossa Valley powerhouse, opulent and richly structured
- 2022 Glaetzer Anaperenna Barossa Valley Shiraz Cabernet — Barossa intensity, bold and age-worthy