Tasting Notes:
99 Points – Livets Goda Magazine
98 Points – James Halliday
98 Points – Tyson Stelzer
97 Points – Andrew Caillard
96 Points – Josh Raynolds
One Superblend. Two Interpretations. Curiosity and experimentation delivers two new wines made from parcels destined for Penfolds flagships: Superblend 802.A and 802.B Cabernet Shiraz. Carefully selected from the coveted 2018 South Australian vintage, the wines represent two unique interpretations of the iconic Australian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
802.A components were aged separately in new American oak hogsheads for 22 months prior to being blended. The cabernet sauvignon makes its structural presence felt comprising 68% of the blend, while the 32% shiraz contribution adds generosity. Unashamedly bold, immediately Penfolds.
This wine is generous and full-bodied. The nose has an oscillation between bursts of sweetened crème brûlée crust and a savoury jus reduction. A compote of blood plum, fig and goji berries. The oscillation manifests as a sweet buttered/toffeed glaze on the palate sitting alongside a roasted reduction avec tomato oil. Malleable and chunky/grippy tannins. A detection of malt and the faintest suggestion of polished timber (mahogany) possibly reflective of a 22-month slumber in 100% new oak? Unashamedly bold. The wine will be at its peak between 2025 – 2055 if cellared in the right conditions.
Deep Crimson. Beautiful wine with lifted blackcurrant, mulberry, dark chocolate mocha aromas and herb garden/chinotto notes. Inky textured and richly concentrated wine with deep set cassis, black berry fruits, hints of chinotto, plentiful fine-grained / vigorous tannins, attractive mid-palate viscosity and superb integrated mocha malt oak notes. Finishes firm and minerally with a lovely fine chocolaty plume. Harks back to the experimental age. Aged for 22 months in 100% Australian-coopered American oak hogsheads. Lovely classic Penfolds wine. – Andrew Caillard MW, 97 Points
The Finer Details
Style – Red Wine
Varietal – 68% Cabernet, 32% Shiraz
Country – Australia
Region – Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe, Clare Valley
Vintage – 2018
Bottle Size – 750ml
ABV – 14.5%
Drinking Dates: 2025-2040
Score: 94+
A huge rush of cedar and vanilla greet the nose on opening, followed by waves of cassis and boysenberry fruit. The 2018 802.A Superblend is a mix of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Shiraz, all raised in 100% new American oak for 22 months and blended just prior to bottling. With components drawn from several of South Austrralia’s premium growing regions (led by Barossa and McLaren Vale), this is a full-bodied, lush wine that finishes with driving tannins and a long, velvety finish, yet it doesn’t seem as seamless or elegant as its 802.B counterpart. Perhaps it just needs more time? Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Stored on its side in a climate controlled cellar since purchase.
Condition:
Perfect condition.
