0 0

2018 Penfolds, Superblend 802.A, Australia

  • Red
  • Dry
  • Full Bodied
  • Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), Syrah/Shiraz (32%)
Not ready (Drink 2028 - 2058)
Joe Czerwinski
94/100
James Suckling
95/100
Josh Raynolds
96/100
Richard Hemming MW
17.5/20
David Sly
93/100
MaryAnn Worobiec
93/100
Product: 20188066651

Free standard delivery on orders over £200

In Bond purchases can be stored in our temperature-controlled warehouse

Covered by our quality guarantee

2018 Penfolds, Superblend 802.A, Australia

Description

This wine is limited to one case per customer.

Penfolds’ latest Superblend is the product of the dazzling 2018 vintage, made from parcels that were destined for their flagship wines. 

The new so-called Superblend is another masterclass in blending from Penfolds. The nose is almost perfumed, with layers of fruit, star anise, liquorice and even a faintly caramelised note – crème brûlée even. The 100% new American oak is overt here, with plenty of vanilla and sweet spice on the palate, which is balanced by notes of caramelised nuts, smoked meat, a rippling acidity and silky, ripe tannins.

Drink 2022 – 2040

Henrietta Gullifer, Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd (Nov 2021)

Colour Red
Sweetness Dry
Vintage 2018
Alcohol % 14.5%
Maturity Not ready (2028 - 2058)
Grape List Cabernet Sauvignon (68%), Syrah/Shiraz (32%)
Body Full Bodied
Producer Penfolds

Critics reviews

Joe Czerwinski 94/100
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 Australia’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.

Drink 2025 - 2040.
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Jul 2021)
James Suckling 95/100
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.
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (Aug 2021)
Josh Raynolds 96/100
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.

Drink 2027 - 2042.
Josh Raynolds, Vinous.com (Jul 2021)
Richard Hemming MW 17.5/20

Not made in 2019 and 2020. Made to celebrate Cabernet/Shiraz blends. Makes use of the A1-grade fruit that isn't suitable for Grange, similarly to Quantum – so that top-end grower fruit has more options. Cabernet and Shiraz matured separately for 18 months, then blended. Matured 22 months in American oak.

Black fruit, lots of floral perfume – really quite different to the 389 style, and perhaps less typically Penfolds. Still delicious with black cherry, rounded tannins, a touch of tarmac – this is almost Piedmont in aromatic profile. A little less integrated than the 802-B.



Drink 2022 - 2042
Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com (Sep 2021)
David Sly 93/100
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.

Drink 2025 - 2055
David Sly, Decanter.com (Jun 2021)
MaryAnn Worobiec 93/100
Dense and taut, with a mouthful of cedary tannins, showing off cigar box, dried herb and powdery espresso notes. The fruit flavors are smooth and reminiscent of kirsch, framboise and huckleberry jam, with a hint of black walnut liqueur coming in on the finish, where the tannins clamp down further, yet luckily the flavors are equally intense. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Drink now through 2037.
MaryAnn Worobiec, WineSpectator.com (Nov 2021)

Need help?

  • Contact our customer service team for help placing your order


    Call us on 0800 280 2440


    Available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

  • Chat with a Berry Bros. & Rudd wine & spirits expert for advice on choosing the perfect bottle.

    A floating button will appear in the bottom right corner of the page, when live chat is available.

Delivery and Quality Guarantee

  • Free delivery on orders over £200.

  • Wines and spirits purchased In Bond from Berry Bros. & Rudd can be stored in our temperature-controlled warehouse.

  • Every bottle sold by Berry Bros. & Rudd is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine or spirit is corked or faulty, we will replace or refund it.