The 2003 Penfolds Bin 798 RWT Shiraz is a highly regarded, opulent Barossa Valley vintage. It was aged for 15 months in French oak, resulting in a rich profile of dark fruits, chocolate, and spice. Current prices for 750ml bottles average about \(\$180\), while larger formats can reach over \(\$3,000\).
The Name: RWT stands for "Red Winemaking Trial"—an internal project started in 1995 designed to showcase rich Barossa Shiraz matured in French oak (instead of American oak, which is used for Grange).
The Bin: The numeric designation "Bin 798" was not officially added to the label until the 2016 vintage, meaning your 2003 bottle is simply labeled "RWT".
Vintage Profile: The 2003 growing season in South Australia was warm and dry. The resulting fruit is ripe and plush, with a glossy mouthfeel and well-integrated oak tannins.
Tasting Notes: Expect layers of black plum, dark cherry, baking spice, and mocha. It presents a velvety texture and an incredibly long, cocoa-tinged finish.
Aging Potential: Wines of this caliber have great concentration and balance. When properly cellared, the 2003 vintage can continue to drink beautifully or can be stored for continued evolution.
