2018 Yalumba The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa Valley

Yalumba's flagship offering is made from shiraz split across vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys with an average age of 80 years. A portion is matured for 23 months in 30% new French oak barriques and hogsheads and the balance in one-year-old (and older) American octaves, French barriques and hogsheads. Deep crimson with ripe blackberry, black cherry, satsuma plum and blueberry fruits cut with baking spices, vanillin oak, cedar, licorice, dark chocolate, clove and violets. The fruit glistens on the palate, beautifully weighted and graceful in its shape, with ripe tannins melting into the wine and a shimmering acidity that provides cadence and shines a light on the pristine fruit. This will cellar beautifully, but my goodness it is lovely to drink at the moment. Another epic Octavius release.

97 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Heady notes of vanilla pod, blackcurrant jam and spiced red plums excite and set the bar high for this wine. The palate delivers. A suave flush of velvety fruit flows through, primary flavours dominate while subtle tertiary notes of tobacco are creeping in. The tannins envelop the cushioned core, leaving a trail of bitter chocolate and salted licorice flavours. This is an outstanding vintage for Octavius and a worthy cellar candidate. With time it will gain more composure and complexity 20 AUG 2023 Drink 2023–2033

96 points Gabrielle Poy therealreview.com