2015 The Octavius Old Vines Shiraz
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Tasting notes
Made in a deliberately oaky style, with the vanilla and wood tannins an integral part of the experience, Yalumba's 2015 The Octavius has the potent mulberry fruit to support those oaky overtones. Scents of cedar, vanilla, menthol and mocha join dark berries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is pliant yet structured. Imagine how a barrel contains liquid? That's the impression The Octavius makes on the palate, its fruit power and breadth contained by wood, channeled into a long, velvety finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Vines with an average age of 100 years. 61% Eden Valley, 39% Barossa Valley picked over a month from 13 February to 18 March. Aged for 22 months in 21% new French, American and Hungarian octaves and the balance in older French barriques, hogsheads and American octaves. From 2008 there was a change of style towards greater freshness. Deep crimson. Leathery, fresh and lively – even racy, quite a feat on the part of winemaker Kevin Glastonbury. (JR)
A very composed Octavius with rich blackberries and dark plums, framed in tarry, earthy and gently spicy complexity. The palate delivers a very fluid and long impression with a wealth of ripe, smooth tannin that holds the long finish. Drink or hold.
Deep ruby-black. Elegantly integral chocolate, vanilla and liquorice lift that fits perfectly with the baked black fruit. Complex. Baked, raspberry and blackberry fruit intensity on the palate with black pepper and mint. Firm tannins and great length. (TJ)
About the producer
Based in the tiny village of Angaston in the Barossa, South Australia, Yalumba is the country's oldest family-owned winery. The estate produces a broad range of wines from entry-level to ultra-premium, such as The Caley.