RWT Shiraz, Penfolds 2018

Sourced only from the Barossa Valley, RWT is aged exclusively in French oak, giving it two major points of difference from the rest of the Penfolds range. Always a sexy, voluptuous wine (and admittedly a personal favorite), the 2018 RWT Shiraz ratchets that up to new heights in a great Barossa vintage, boasting layers of berry-like fruit, refined vanilla shadings and baking-spice notes, plus more exotic elements like star anise and cocoa powder. It's full-bodied and plush without being unstructured in any way, with a lingering, complex finish and the concentration to age two decades or more. Drink: 2022-2040

Herbal and dark fruit with lots of spiced elements too - a little meaty. Thick and full in the mouth, this has instant appeal in terms of texture and plumpness. Wide and filling, not so juicy but densely packed with plenty of lift and energy. Round and complete with lots of drinkability. One you want to share with friends with some juicy lamb. Salty on the finish. Extremely good. 2026-2040