2020 The Octavius Shiraz

The 2020 The Octavius is lighter and finer than the depth and darkness of the 2019 tasted beside it. This is an interesting development. The 2020 season was hot and low yielding, just like 2019; however, the wine displays real finesse and levity in the glass. The tannins are dusty and earthy through the finish and leave a trail of sumac, pressed flowers and exotic spice in their wake. The finish leaves a note of clove and aniseed, and the length of flavor and carriage of tannin is something really worth discussing and noting. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

Full bottle 1,499 g – pretty heavy! Picked 22 February to 13 March. The wine that is aged for 19 months in 100-litre little French casks made by Yalumba's own coopers. Decanting is recommended. Mid depth of shaded crimson. Nose has light TCA infection (cue Australians shaking their heads over the decision to stopper this with natural cork rather than a screwcap). But the palate is pretty good actually so I am going to score the wine. Rich fruit with a saline end. Much more approachable than the Michael 2022 Coonawarra! A perfect bottle would be delightful in a treacle toffee sort of way. Long and satisfying. The score assumes a perfect bottle. (JR)