Penfolds Superblend 802-A Cabernet Shiraz 2018

This wine is part of a new project for Penfolds to showcase the great Australian Cabernet Shiraz blend – hopefully we see one of these every year, or at least when the vintage warrants it. 802.A is the American oaked version – 22 months in new oak hogsheads – with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Shiraz drawn from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe and Clare Valley. Quite closed to begin although over time this deeply coloured wine had an almost St-Julien like feel thanks to its combination of fruit power with fine yet firm tannins. Fruit is fragrant and bright – cassis and mulberry while oak is seemingly measured, despite long new oak aging, thanks to excellent fruit balance. The cabernet sauvignon then keeps this wine light and fresh on its feet with both power and subtlety plus mouthcoating tannins that drive through to a long finish. Pin point balance is key and provides good aging potential.