Superblend 802.B Cabernet Shiraz 2018 Gift Box
| Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
|
Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz |
|---|---|
| Vintage
2018
|
2018 |
| Country
Australia
|
Australia |
| Region
Multi Region
|
Multi Region |
| Volume
750 mL
|
750 mL |
| Closure
Cork
|
Cork |
| Alc/Vol
14.5%
|
14.5% |
| Peak Drinking
2028 – 2055
|
2028 – 2055 |
| Winemaker
The Penfolds Team
|
The Penfolds Team |
| 98 Points - Tyson Stelzer |
| 97 Points - Ken Gargett |
| 19.5+ Points - Matthew Jukes |
| 18.5 Points - Richard Hemming MW |
Tyson Stelzer
"55/45% cabernet sauvignon/shiraz, from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe and the Clare Valley. Matured, fully blended, for 19 months in 54% new French oak hogsheads; 5000 cases. Blending just post-harvest is virtually unheard of at Penfolds, and the effect of maturing almost equal proportions of cabernet and shiraz together is a harmony and integration astonishing in a youthful blend of such monumental longevity. The 2 varieties entwine seamlessly with French oak, with the tension of cabernet and the body of shiraz interlocking with dark chocolate and coffee bean. Tannins are superfine and mineral, laying out a grand trail of longevity that meets every bit of expectation in the grand lineage of Penfolds blends. A world away from Superblend A, yet intrinsically aligned to the very letter of its DNA. The pair beg the question of picking favourites, but for me they are both profoundly unique yet impossible to separate. Ask me again in 2 decades. 98 Points."
Ken Gargett
"19 months in French hogsheads, 54% new and 46% one-year-old. The blend is 55% Cabernet and 45% Shiraz. These components were combined immediately post vintage. This is more like it. Black fruits, soy, spices, beef stock, chocolate and more importantly, the oak is far less dominant. The wine benefits from this and the texture is more supple, the wine more seamless. It is fresher, more finesse and better balanced. Good intensity and length. Good acidity here and very fine tannins. This should age and improve for two decades at least. This is by far the most convincing of the pair. Drink: 2050+. 97 Points."
A-Grade cabernet and A-Grade shiraz from a wonderful harvest; new French and American oak barrels of the highest quality.
– Peter Gago, Penfolds Chief Winemaker
Deep, bright dense crimson, black core.
Youthful and fresh. An ascent of dark summer pudding aromatics, underpinned by a blackberry/mulberry/loganberry fruit base. Citrus higher notes (possibly) compliments of French oak … the sandalwood and vanillin accompaniment, definitely so! Wafts of black cardamom, stalked by sweeter notes of milk chocolate, crème brulée. Inviting.
Even – an excellent line across palate; fine and persistent. Acidity – more than likely aligned to the fruit descriptors noted: cumquat, pomegranate and persimmon. A grated texture with gritty tannins … and its savoury demeanour also contributing to a ‘textural dryness’. Dusty, shaved dark-chocolate flavours (unlike nose) and a sprinkle of chocolate dust and sweet paprika. A challenge to unravel varietal components – no tension, relaxed in tandem.
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.
| GRAPE VARIETY
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Shiraz
|
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Shiraz |
|---|---|
| VINEYARD REGION
Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe, Clare Valley
|
Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe, Clare Valley |
| wine analysis
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.60, Acidity: 7.1g/L
|
Alc/Vol: 14.5%, pH: 3.60, Acidity: 7.1g/L |
| MATURATION
19 months in French oak hogsheads (54% new, 46% 1-y.o.)
|
19 months in French oak hogsheads (54% new, 46% 1-y.o.) |
ONE SUPERBLEND. TWO INTERPRETATIONS.
Two limited releases, made from parcels destined for our flagships. This powerful pair were released sequentially, but are designed to be collected together.
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