Superblend 802.A Cabernet Shiraz 2018 Gift Box
Penfolds
Superblend 802.A Cabernet Shiraz 2018 Gift Box
Overview
Overview
One Superblend. Two Interpretations. Superblend 802.A and Superblend 802.B represent two unique interpretations of the iconic Australian blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz, sourced from unique parcels destined for Penfolds flagships.
The Superblend 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.
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | Multi Region |
| Volume | 750 mL |
| Closure | Cork |
| Alc/Vol | 14.5% |
| Peak Drinking | 2025 - 2055 |
| Winemaker | The Penfolds Team |
Awards and Accolades
Awards and Accolades
| 99 Points | Livets Goda Magazine |
| 98 Points | James Halliday |
| 98 Points | Tyson Stelzer |
| 97 Points | Andrew Caillard |
| 96 Points | Josh Raynolds |
| 95 Points | Nick Stock, Jamessuckling.com |
| 93 Points | David Sly |
| 18.5++ Points | Matthew Jukes |
Tyson Stelzer
"Stature, power and might. The framework of cabernet in the presence of 100% new American oak hogsheads projects a 707esque presence, within which a one-third inclusion of shiraz builds dramatic palate depth and intrigue. It is as if all the grandeur of first 707, second Grange and third 389 have been united in one dramatic whole. The result delivers structural endurance, a grand display of monumental fruit and a line and length that hark back to the glory days of Bin 60A and the ensuing legends of Penfolds cabernet shiraz. Superblend, A-class indeed! - 98 Points"
Andrew Caillard MW
"Deep Crimson. Beautiful wine with lifted blackcurrant, blackberry, 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. - 97 Points"
Josh Raynolds
"Inky ruby. A slow-to-open bouquet displays powerful dark berry, cherry-cola, pipe tobacco and savory herb qualities that are complemented by oak spice and coconut accents. Densely packed bitter cherry, mocha, black cardamom and fruitcake flavors show superb depth as well as energy thanks to a core of juicy acidity. Turns smokier on the strikingly long finish, which emphatically echoes the floral and cola notes. Conveys a compelling expression of sweet and savory components and finishes extremely long and youthfully tannic. Made in all new American oak - 96 Points"
Food Pairing
Food Pairing
Beef
Chicken
Lamb
Duck
Pasta
Veg
Spicy Food
Taste Description
Taste Description
Nose
Formic and familial ... barrel ferment, stylish oak, Penfolds.An oscillation between bursts of sweetened crème brûlée crust and a savoury jus reduction.Scents of cola nut, star anise and curry leaf add to the complexity of the majestic aromatic offer.Oak? Deftly dovetailed!
Flavours and Palate
Full-bodied and generous.A compote of blood plum, fig and goji berries.The oscillation noted above now manifested as a sweet buttered/toffeed glaze 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.
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Viticulture Vintage & Winemaking
Vintage Conditions
Winter started relatively dry with increased rainfall occurring in the second half. The Barossa Valley vines entered the growing season with healthy soil moisture profiles well down into the root-zone. Spring was warm and dry encouraging an early start to the growing season. A spell of cooler weather around budburst slowed vine phenology yet climatic conditions for flowering and fruit-set were optimal in all regions. Prevailing conditions favoured the growth of protective vine canopies. Summer was warm, with the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra regions all experiencing heat spells greater than 35°C in January coupled with below-average rainfall. The warm weather delayed veraison by a few weeks, a pattern also reflected in Wrattonbully and Robe. A very dry finish to summer coupled with an unseasonably warm autumn ensured both shiraz and cabernet sauvignon achieved ample ripeness with exceptional flavour and intensity.
The Penfolds Team
Key to the success of Penfolds has been a lineage of visionary winemakers. There have only ever been four Chief Winemakers at the helm of Penfolds – Max Schubert, Don Ditter, John Duval and Peter Gago, each a custodian of a rich winemaking tradition that goes back for more than 170 years.
Our current Penfolds winemaking team has more than 100 years between them as Penfolds winemakers. They are constantly refining and improving their work, whilst honouring the winemaking techniques of their predecessors.