2020 Yalumba The Octavius

EN PRIMEUR DISCOUNT VALID UNTIL 1/11/2025 AND WHILE STOCKS LAST - EXPECTED DECEMBER 2025. PRICES FOR EN PRIMEUR ARE EXTRA DORDRECHT. AS A FREE SERVICE, THE WINES CAN BE CONDITIONED AND SAFELY STORED BY US SO THAT THEY CAN BE PICKED UP ON OCCASION OR SHIPPED AT COST BY ARRANGEMENT.

the history of Yalumba

Yalumba was founded in 1849 by Samuel Smith, a British immigrant who settled in South Australia. Yalumba has since become the oldest family business in the Australian wine world and is led by the fifth generation, Robert Hill-Smith. The sixth generation, Jessica and Lucy Hill-Smith, are also actively involved. Yalumba is known for its innovative spirit and strong traditions. A key example of this is the establishment of the Old Vine Charter in 2007. This charter protects and recognizes the value of old vines in the Barossa and Eden Valleys, which uniquely contribute to the complexity and authenticity of the wines. Within this philosophy, The Octavius holds a special place as the flagship Shiraz, made from vines dating back to 1854.

the terroir of the Barossa and Eden Valley

The grapes for The Octavius 2020 come from five key vineyards in the Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. The average age of the vines is 89 years, with some parcels over a century and a half old. Barossa Valley delivers Shiraz with richness, density, and power, while Eden Valley adds aromatic finesse and structure. This combination results in a wine that is both intense and refined. The soils consist primarily of sandy loam and clay with deep root systems, allowing the old vines to produce grapes of exceptional quality even in dry and hot years.

the growing season and harvest of 2020

The 2020 vintage was characterized by a cool winter with below-average rainfall. Flowering was slow due to lower temperatures in November, followed by a warm, windy period that resulted in low yields. December and January were warm and dry, causing the grapes to remain small and concentrated. A welcome rainfall in late January brought relief. The harvest took place from February 25th to March 18th, yielding grapes with intense flavor concentration and excellent balance. Despite the challenging conditions, Yalumba managed to produce a wine with both power and elegance.

vinification and maturation

The Octavius is crafted using a unique approach, utilizing small, 100-liter octave oak barrels crafted by Yalumba. These barrels, combined with French barriques, create subtle wood integration and additional layers of complexity. The 2020 vintage was matured for 18 months, 24% of which in new French oak barriques. The result is a wine that beautifully interweaves the intensity of the Shiraz with refined notes of spice, nuts, and toasted wood. With an alcohol content of 14.5% and a pH of 3.64, this is a powerfully structured wine that simultaneously maintains harmony and freshness.

Tasting notes of the 2020 Yalumba the Octavius

The color is deep crimson. The nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant, boysenberry, and cassis, complemented by notes of anise, dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. With further aeration, roasted chestnut, walnut, and a hint of nutmeg also appear. On the palate, the wine displays an impressive concentration of black fruit, enveloped by velvety yet firm tannins. The finish is long and refined, combining fruit intensity, spice, and mineral tension. Critics praised the 2020 vintage for its balance and refinement. Andrew Caillard MW awarded it 98 points, calling the wine "an exceptional, dark-fruit-driven Shiraz with pure complexity and beautiful structure." James Suckling awarded it 96 points, emphasizing the power and finesse of this vintage.

the special character of old vines

What makes The Octavius so unique is the use of old vines, some planted in 1854. These pre-phylloxera vines are rooted and deeply rooted in the Barossa soil. Their low yields produce grapes with enormous flavor concentration and complexity. The wine is therefore not only an expression of a single vintage but also of more than a century of winemaking history. Old vines add nuance and layers that are simply unmatched by younger plantings.

aging potential and style

The 2020 The Octavius can be enjoyed now after decanting, but will continue to develop over the next twenty years. It's a wine that combines the power of the Barossa with the refinement of the Eden Valley, and will gain even more depth and complexity in the cellar. This makes it suitable for both immediate consumption at a celebratory dinner and for extended cellaring in the cellar of the serious collector.

Would you like to order Yalumba wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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wine and food pairings with the 2020 yalumba the octavius

• Grilled ribeye with rosemary and garlic. The full-bodied meat perfectly complements the intensity and tannins of the Shiraz.
• Rack of lamb with roasted vegetables. The spicy notes of the lamb combine beautifully with the anise and chocolate accents of the wine.
• Wild boar stew with mushrooms. The earthy flavors enhance the depth and concentration of the old vines.
• Risotto with truffle and Parmesan. The creamy texture and umami of the truffle enhance the wine's refinement and complexity.
• Grilled eggplant and bell pepper with pecorino. The roasted flavors and savory cheese enhance the wine's fruity and spicy layers.
• Veal tenderloin with morels and red wine sauce. The elegant texture of the meat complements the concentration and long finish perfectly.