2003 Yalumba Octavius Shiraz

Fruit for the 2003 Octavius was sourced from old vine Barossa vineyards between 50-100 years of age. In addition to being sourced from a number of very old vineyards in the Barossa, The Octavius is matured in small American oak 'octaves' of 90 litres capacity. The secret of the wine not becoming overpowered by the oak lies in the wood which is seasoned at Yalumba's own on-site cooperage for eight years before the octaves are crafted. The 2003 vintage was matured for 22 months in a combination of 45% new Yalumba Coopered Missouri & Pennsylvania octaves, 10% new French Hogsheads with the balance being older octaves and 1 year old French Hogsheads.

A sophisticated drink! Very deep crimson colour with deep crimson hue. Vanilla, violet and plum top notes followed by blackberry cedar and new leather, delivering a complex perfumed nose. On the palate flavours of cedar, plum and spice emerge over a vanilla background. Fine grained tannins, excellent balance. Very long aftertaste of cedar, vanilla and confectionary, with just a touch of truffle and new leather.
Cellar 3-4 years (2010-2011)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%

Other Reviews…
A renowned Barossa icon is Yalumba’s Shiraz The Octavius. The 2003 is a 100% Shiraz aged 22 months in a combination of American barrels (coopered at Yalumba) and French 300 liter hogsheads. This beauty offers up aromas of sweet blueberries, black truffles, blackberries, melted road tar, pepper, and espresso roast. Full-bodied, powerful, and rich, with sweet tannin, decent acidity, and a superb finish, this is a wine to drink over the next 15 or more years.
97 points
Robert Parker –  Wine Advocate #167 (Oct 2006)