2018 Penfolds 802.A Super Blend

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product shown.

Other Reviews....

Very oak-forward style, showing rich red berries and chocolate, as well as vanilla, all vying for attention and turned up loud. There’s boldness to the palate, too, with dark plums, blueberries and blackberries in abundance. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon and 32% shiraz that was blended after 22 months maturation in 100% new American-oak hogsheads. Give this time. Try from 2026.

95 Points
JamesSuckling.com

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.

94+? Points
Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A supersized wine of imposing proportions. Using all new American oak hogsheads for its 22 months' maturation has turned up the volume very loud, with a concentrated melange of vivid red fruits, rich blood plum and sweet blackberry conserve. Such power puts all the focus on the fruit flavour and robust structure, concealing the beauty of the 68% Cabernet that seems rather overwhelmed by the Shiraz, especially in a tight finish that has bossy oak doing all the talking. Released at AU$900.

93 Points
David Sly - Decanter