Yalumba The Octavius 2018

The first bottle of 2018 The Octavius was corked. I have opened the second bottle for review. Coffee grounds, dark chocolate, mulberry compote and black olive tapenade lead the charge for this irrepressibly Australian Shiraz. Big bold forest berry flavors are effusive and almost gushing, held in check by the firm hand of tannic structure. Woodsy spices-sandalwood, particularly-punctuate the black cherry and salted licorice characters. This is really good, satisfying, mouthfilling, delicious. 14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

This 2018 Shiraz The Octavius, made from 67% Barossa Valley and 33% Eden Valley fruit, is a powerhouse and bold edition of Octavius thanks to its lashings of black cherry, blackberry, and new leather with subtle touches of pepper and sage. Bold yet manicured, it displays punchy sweet-fruited flavors with some savory meat stocks in the background, which will build in time. Firm tannins are nicely balanced over a long but closed finish suggesting this wine will be best enjoyed after at least a decade's rest.

Spiced plum, cassis, violet, rosemary and cedar notes are refined and polished on a juicy frame. Details of malty Assam black tea, kirsch and blackberry preserves linger on the finish, with a touch of milk chocolatecovered graham cracker lingering. Drink now through 2036. 200 cases imported.