The Octavius 2020

The 2020 vintage in the Barossa was marked by extremely low yields, the result of a dry winter, warm spring, and intense summer heat spikes. These conditions produced minuscule berries with extraordinary concentration, though volume was significantly reduced. A mild, even harvest period preserved aromatic definition and natural acidity, offering a balance that complements the inherent richness of Barossa Shiraz. For Yalumba’s legendary old-vine parcels—some more than a century old—2020 delivered fruit of exceptional purity, density, and structural finesse, shaping one of the most focused and age-worthy Octavius bottlings of recent years.

The Octavius 2020 is a powerful yet remarkably poised expression of Barossa Shiraz—dark, complex, and richly textured, showcasing the depth of old vines with contemporary refinement. The nose opens with intense aromas of blackberry, plum compote, and mulberry, layered with hints of black licorice, violet, clove, and star anise. As it expands, subtle notes of smoked meats, cocoa, sandalwood, and warm earth contribute to its aromatic complexity.

On the palate, the wine is densely packed, velvety, and beautifully balanced, with a luxurious mouthfeel that never tips into excess. A concentrated core of black cherry, blueberry, and dark plum is framed by fine-grained, supple tanninsand a vibrant line of acidity that brings lift and definition. Nuances of espresso, dark chocolate, charred spice, and polished oak unfold across the mid-palate, reflecting the influence of Yalumba’s custom coopered octaves. The finish is long, warm, and harmoniously layered, echoing dark fruit, spice, and mineral edges.

A superb Octavius—rich but controlled, powerful yet elegantly proportioned. It is already expressive, but will continue to evolve and gain nuance over 12–20+ years, revealing the full depth of its old-vine pedigree and the precision of the 2020 vintage.

One of the legendary Barossa Shiraz releases, this is a fine addition to the Octavius line-up. Vines used here date back to 1854 (the Eden Valley component), while the name comes from the tradition of using octaves from the Yalumba cooperage. The blend is 69% Eden Valley and 31% Barossa, giving an average age of a rather impressive 111 years. The wine will spend the best part of two years maturing in a mix of French oak vessels, around one-quarter new. Under cork. 

An opaque maroon with a purple rim. This is still tight and poised, very youthful. If circumstances permit, give it another three to four years in the bottle before opening (though it is already rather delicious), and then enjoy over the following fifteen to twenty. The nose is all chocolate, mocha, cassis, delicatessen meats, spices, herbs, sage and tobacco leaves. This is extremely well structured, seamless with a creamy texture, balance, length and abundant, silky tannins. There is really good intensity for the full journey. Great stuff and a wonderful climax to what is perhaps the finest collection of prestige wines I have seen from Yalumba. 96.

Deep crimson. Elemental and pure with expressive blackberry, boysenberry, aniseed aromas with vanilla notes. Beautiful concentrated wine with superbly dense ripe dark berry fruits, chocolaty graphite firm coating tannins and mocha, roasted chestnut oak notes. All in parts but very well balanced wine with superb fruit concentration and purity. Minerally. Could be anything from 96–100 points, but not ready for review. 14.5% alc NS