2009 Penfolds RWT Shiraz, SA, Australia

Every now and then, a bottle delivers not just on quality, but on memory.

We purchased this 2009 Penfolds RWT Shiraz at the Penfolds Magill Estate bin sale 11–12 years ago, during our babymoon before our first child arrived. A deliberate cellar addition and one that has patiently waited for the right occasion.

We tend to crack open a bottle at our annual Easter getaway with the crew. And as expected, it never disappoints.

Now firmly in its drinking window, the wine shows impressive composure and integration. The fruit profile leans into dark plum, blackberry, and black cherry, layered with secondary notes of cedar, baking spice, and subtle mocha. The American oak influence, a hallmark of RWT has softened considerably, now sitting harmoniously within the wine rather than leading it.

Structurally, it strikes a compelling balance between medium-to-full bodied with fine, resolved tannins and a long, savoury finish. There’s both richness and restraint here, a wine that has shed its youthful power in favour of elegance and cohesion.

We paired it with a 3.5kg Costco Japanese A5 Wagyu, cooked over the Weber, and the match was exceptional. The wine’s structure and savoury edge cut cleanly through the richness of the wagyu, elevating both elements without overwhelming the palate.

More than anything, this bottle is a reminder of why we cellar wine, not just for the evolution in the glass, but for the stories that come with it.