2005 Yalumba Octavius Shiraz

The Octavius is a unique Australian wine icon. The first release was the 1988 vintage and it created great interest largely due to the nature of its barrel maturation. Most Australian and European wines of quality are matured in barriques, an oak barrel containing 220 litres of wine. Experiments over hundreds of vintages have demonstrated that this is the optimal size barrel for wine maturation as the ratio of oak surface to wine volume remains in harmony. Yalumba changed the rules creating a unique vinous experience. Using its own coopers the company produced wine barrels with a volumetric capacity of 90 litres. This raised more than a few eyebrows in the wine trade, as it was expected that the wine would be totally oak driven, with the fruit being very subdued. The winemakers at Yalumba anticipated this problem and had the oak staves air dried for eight years instead of the usual three. The result is consistently sensational.

Very deep, almost opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Superb nose – aroma of perfumed violets, fresh blackberry, vanilla, confectionary, liquorice all sorts and spice. The palate continues to impress. Outstanding length and depth with flavours of confectionary, vanilla, blackberry and cedar with nuances of dark chocolate. Fine grained perfectly balanced tannins. Exceptionally long aftertaste of liquorice, vanilla, blackberry and spice.
Cellar 3-4 years (2012-2013)
Alc/Vol: 14.0%2009YalPr