Classical in structure yet Penfoldsian in character with dense dark cherry, blackberry dark chocolate flavours, plentiful fine chalky/ graphite tannins, superbly integrated roasted chestnut vanilla oak and underlying cedar complexity. Finishes al-dente firm with beautiful mineral length and bitter-sweet notes. Superb fruit density and torque.

The 2019 RWT Shiraz Bin 798 continues this wine's impressive run, artfully combining hedonistic waves of mixed fruit with the balancing and structural effects of 18 months in French oak hogsheads. Dark chocolate and vanilla notes join blackberries and plums on the concentrated, full-bodied palate, picking up hints of coffee, black olives and licorice on the long, silky-textured finish.

A strident RWT with a regional signature of tar and coal smoke to the ripe plums and blackberries. Such intense, ripe dark-plum and blackberry drive on powerful, deep-set tannins that run long through the finish. Contained power. Drink over the next decade. Screw cap.

The depth of big bass notes shows the presence of Marananga fruit in the rich blend, rounding out a completely seductive portrait of Shiraz. It’s highly fragrant, with notes of sage over redcurrant and lush purple berries, while the rich mid-palate rolls effortlessly in the mouth, before elegant oak binds it all to ensure a dry, savoury finish.

Blackish purple. Intensely high-toned but tight – not opulent – as though it's desperately trying to be serious! On the nose, it would be fun to slide this in to a blind tasting of young Hermitages! Smooth as silk!!! Maybe that should be Guigal Côte Rôties rather than Hermitages. Great balance and nothing over the top.