REGION:
Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully, Robe, Clare Valley.
GRAPE VARIETY:
55% Cabernet, 54% Shiraz.
TASTING NOTES:
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.
One Superblend. Two Interpretations. Curiosity and experimentation delivers two new wines made from parcels destined for Penfolds flagships.
Carefully selected from the coveted 2018 South Australian vintage, the wines represent two unique interpretations of the iconic Australian blend of cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. 802.B varietal composition is close to evenly split with cabernet sauvignon contributing 55% and shiraz 45% of the blend respectively. The components were married immediately post vintage, completing 19 months maturation as a blend in French oak hogsheads.This wine will reward careful cellaring for several decades. An intriguing counterpoint to its American oak sibling.