2005 The Octavius Old Vines Shiraz
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Tasting notes
Glass-staining violet color. An expansive bouquet displays scents of blackberry, boysenberry, licorice, vanilla bean and cocoa powder. Pliant dark berry flavors stain the palate and pick up exotic floral and fruitcake character with air. The vanilla and cocoa notes build on the finish, adding depth to the wine's lively cherry and dark berry skin flavors. The nicely hidden tannins make themselves felt very late on the aftertaste. Quite primary today: I'd stash it away for another seven years or so to allow it to develop greater secondary qualities.
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2005 The Octavius is a 100% Shiraz cuvee sourced from Eden Valley and Barossa vineyards ranging in age from 70-100 years. It was aged in 55% new French and American oak hogsheads and barriques. Purple-colored, it offers up a classy nose of wood smoke, pencil lead, smoked meat, game, blueberry, and blackberry. On the palate notes of plums, coffee, and anise also make an appearance. Opulent, savory, and concentrated, it has 6-8 years of aging potential and should be at its finest from 2015 to 2035. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993
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.