Yalumba 'The Octavius' Shiraz

A flagship born of treasured old vines, Yalumba’s ‘The Octavius’ blends Eden Valley freshness with Barossa depth. Perfumed red and blue fruits meet violet lift, red liquorice and subtle cocoa, wrapped in a perfectly poised structure. Elegant, balanced and powerfully pure, this is a beautiful, age-worthy expression of Barossa Shiraz from one of Australia’s great family estates.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Deep red with purple hues. Alluring aromas of dark cherry, red liquorice and raspberry are accented by violet and blue-fruit tones. The palate unfurls generous, cool-fruited richness: Eden Valley’s brightness and line married to Barossa’s dark-fruited concentration. Supple, fine-grained tannins and integrated French oak guide a long, graceful finish.

Key Details

• Winery: Yalumba
• Grape: Shiraz
• Region: Barossa Valley & Eden Valley, South Australia
• Vintage: 2018
• ABV: 14.5%
• Volume: 750ml
• Aging: French oak barriques & octaves (approx. 21 months)
• Other: Vegan-friendly, Sustainable winemaking

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded in 1849, Yalumba remains fiercely independent with its own on-site cooperage — the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. ‘The Octavius’ is drawn from venerable Barossa and Eden Valley sites, including vines dating back to 1854. Small parcels are hand-picked, fermented separately and matured in Yalumba-coopered French oak octaves and barriques for precision and length.

Special Features

With an average vine age exceeding a century, ‘The Octavius’ captures rare depth and aromatic clarity. The Eden Valley component brings floral lift and seamless structure; Barossa Valley contributes richness and density. Ageing in bespoke French octaves — the wine’s namesake — layers subtle spice and texture, crafting a Shiraz of power, elegance and extraordinary cellaring potential.

Recognition & Accolades

Acclaimed by leading critics across recent vintages:

• 99/100 Points – Andrew Caillard MW, The Vintage Journal (2018 vintage)
• 97/100 Points – Decanter (2018 vintage)
• 96+/100 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (2018 vintage)
• 97/100 Points – James Halliday (2017 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – James Suckling (2017 vintage)
• Gold & 95/100 Points – Barossa Wine Show (2017 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – Vinous (2016 vintage)
• 96/100 Points – Decanter (2016 vintage)

Such accolades underscore ‘The Octavius’ as a benchmark Barossa icon — luxurious, finely structured and profoundly expressive.

Food Pairings

Pair with chargrilled eye fillet and chimichurri, rosemary-rubbed roast lamb or slow-braised beef cheeks. Its red-and-blue fruit purity and spice also flatter duck breast with cherry glaze, venison loin or pepper-crusted steak. For vegetarian matches, try asparagus and mushroom stir-fry, truffled mushroom risotto or chargrilled portobello with herb oil. Aged cheddar or alpine cheeses echo its savoury depth and elegant finish.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A rare old-vine Shiraz of prestige and provenance — ideal for anniversaries, collectors and fine dining centrepieces. Yalumba’s craftsmanship and cooperage heritage make this an unforgettable gift and a superb candidate for cellaring.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.