2004 Yalumba Shiraz Octavius
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Mint, liquorice, eucalyptus, herbs and loganberry fruit. A dash of oak seasoning on the palate, lots of concentration and still very infantile. Lovely quality of flavours on the palate and plenty of potential for future ageing. (RH)
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Inky, glass-staining purple. Explosively perfumed, exotic bouquet of ripe boysenberry, cherry preserves, candied licorice, black olive, vanilla and Indian spices. Completely saturates the palate with deep, sweet red and dark berry liqueur flavors, along with dark chocolate, anise and cola qualities. Broad, velvety and surprisingly lively for its size, this shiraz finishes with excellent thrust and cling. Doesn't want to let go of the palate.
The 2004 The Octavius is 100% Shiraz aged for 22 months in American and Hungarian oak, much of it new. Inky black/purple, it coats the glass with legs. It has an alluring perfume of toasty oak, plum, licorice, blueberry, bacon, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate. Voluptuous and youthful, it has intense flavors, plenty of well-concealed structure, and a 60-second finish. Cellar it for 8-10 years and drink it through 2035. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; www.yalumba.com
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.