Outstanding Langtons Classification. Octavius has established a reputation as one of Australia's Shiraz icons. In addition to being sourced from a number of very old Barossa vineyards, Octavius is treated to an extended period in American oak octaves of ninety litres capacity, the only red wine in the world to be matured in such small barrels. The secret of the wine not becoming overpowered by oak lies in the wood itself, which is open air seasoned at Yalumba's own cooperage for eight years before the octaves are coopered and put to use.
Grapes are all hand picked from heirloom vineyards, bush vines planted between late 19th and early 20th century, the oldest dates back to 1854. Fruit is crushed into eight or six tonnes fermenters, the wild yeasts present on grape skins initiate fermentation. Vinification and cap skin management in open and static potter fermenters is controlled by the Yalumba designed cap plunger. The result is a wine with excellent depth of colour, richness and complexity. Matured twenty months in a high proportion of new French, American and Hungarian oak hogsheads, octaves and barriques. Yalumba are one of the few wineries in the world who retain their own coopers practising the ancient craft of barrel making.
Deep bold red purple. Exotic fig and plum sauce, mocha and black liquorice notes on the bouquet. Dense and brooding, showing sweet Shiraz fruit concentration and fine seamless tannins. Long and lush through the finish, exhibiting great integration, elegance and style. Wild ferments and small format oak contribute to the individual complexities of the wine, contributing richness and fine textures.
