Penfolds RWT Barossa Valley Shiraz presents an alternative to the multi-regional sourcing and American oak maturation that are hallmarks of Grange. RWT expresses single region Barossa Valley Shiraz matured only in French oak. The initials RWT stand for ‘Red Winemaking Trial’, which was the internal project name at its inception in 1995. Far from a ‘Trial’ now, RWT Shiraz was launched in May 2000 with the 1997 vintage. Its style is opulent and fleshy, contrasting with Grange, which is more muscular and assertive. RWT is made from fruit primarily selected for its aromatic qualities and lush texture. The result is a wine that helps to redefine Barossa Shiraz at the highest quality level.

The 2018 Penfolds Shiraz RWT [Syrah] from the Barossa Valley, South Australia, is a robust and intricately crafted wine that has garnered acclaim from wine critics. This wine is characterized by its exclusive aging in French oak, distinguishing it within the Penfolds range. Notably, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an outstanding 98 points, describing it as "sexy" and "voluptuous," with "layers of berry-like fruit" and a "lingering, complex finish" (JC, 2020).

Wine Spectator's review, which gave it a score of 95, praises its complexity and intensity, highlighting flavors of "juicy crushed raspberry, cherry puree, and huckleberry" with a finish described as "long, expressive... backed by dense, muscular tannins" (MW, 2020). James Suckling also awarded it a high score of 96, noting its "super intense and powerful delivery" with "ripe red-cherry and plum flavors" and well-integrated French oak (2020).

Decanter echoes the wine's opulence, describing it as a "bombshell in a striking oak corset" with blackberry and brulée flavors that "sing softly atop a bed of powdery tannins" (2020). Meanwhile, James Halliday appreciates its depth and power, scoring it 97 and advising that it needs "at least 10 years to let you come up for air" (2020).

Vinous, with a score of 95, highlights its "deeply perfumed nose" and "fleshy and deep" palate, emphasizing a "youthfully tannic note" on the finish (Josh Raynolds, 2021). Finally, Jane Anson, who scored it 92, notes its "dark bright spice" and "silky tannins," asserting its well-balanced nature (2024).

Overall, the 2018 Penfolds Shiraz RWT is celebrated for its rich fruit flavors, complex structure, and aging potential, making it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.