802-B Superblend 2018 Penfolds

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97p by Pekka Nuikki / Editor of the Fine Wine Magazines and Champagne Magazine
96p by Ken Bratt / Wine Dealer
18.5p by Richard Hemming MW / BWW2024 Finalist
95p by Joshua Raynolds
97p by Ken Gargett
97p by Andrew Caillard MW / BWW2024 Finalist
96+p by Erin Larkin / BWW2024 Finalist

Tasting note

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Written Notes

The two wines are the 802.A Cabernet Shiraz 2018 (AUD$900; AUD$2,250 for magnum) and the 802.B Cabernet Shiraz 2018 (price TBC; to be released August 2022).

Both are the traditional Aussie red – Cabernet Shiraz – and Penfolds kindly unveiled the wines at the release for a world first tasting. They are in very heavy bottles with huge punts, both sealed under cork. “A” is 1,400 cases while “B” is a little more generous with 5,000 cases.

The Penfolds 802.B Cabernet Shiraz 2018 is a different kettle of fish. Loved it. A wonderful new addition to the range. Seamless and balanced. 97.

- Ken Gargett

Blended pre-maturation. Matured in French oak for 19 months. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Shiraz.
This is more like the Penfolds style than the 802-A, the fruit is beautifully sleek and potent. Finely brushed tannin, volume without weight. Meaty and savoury. Long. Champions the Cab/Shiraz blend convincingly. (RH)

- Richard Hemming MW / BWW2024 Finalist

Deep ruby. Powerful, spice-accented cherry preserve, blackberry, potpourri and baking spice scents pick up suggestions of sandalwood and mocha as the wine stretches out. Shows sharp definition and spicy lift to its red/blue fruit liqueur, candied lavender and spicecake flavors, which slowly deepen through the back half, with no loss of vivacity. Finishes very long and lively, with resonating spiciness, gently gripping tannins and a late suggestion of musky chewing tobacco. Made in all French oak hogsheads, 54% of them new.

- Joshua Raynolds

Deep crimson. Intense cassis, blackberry, mulberry aromas with roasted chestnut, vanilla. Generous and inky textured with lovely dark cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant fruits, cocoa/ chinotto notes, plentiful fine-grained slinky tannins and underlying roasted chestnut, vanilla, caramel notes. Finishes claret firm with lovely pure dark fruits, some bitter sweet notes and a fine lacy plume. The French oak brings out a more defined structure. Aged for 19 months in new (54%) and seasoned (46% one year old) French oak hogsheads. 55% cabernet sauvignon 45% shiraz. Drink 2026-2045 14.5% Alc 97 points

Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe, Clare Valley

A fascinating wine showing remarkable similarities yet astonishing differences. The impact of cabernet shiraz ratios, blending options, oak types and maturation bring out different expressions. Yet ultimately time may well see these two wines increasingly look like twins

- Andrew Caillard MW / BWW2024 Finalist

Cabernet Shiraz

55% cabernet sauvignon, 45% shiraz.

Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe, Clare. 19 months in French oak (54% new, 46% 1YO). 5000 cases (9LE).

The tannins here are tighter, and finer, and it is a far more exciting wine. Elegant and taut, this is very long, lingering and quite titillating. Impressive.

Available August 2022.

96+pts

- Erin Larkin / BWW2024 Finalist

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