The 2016 Yalumba The Octavius Shiraz Museum Release is a mature flagship Shiraz sourced from some of the oldest vineyards in the Barossa and Eden Valleys, including treasured vines dating back to the mid-1800s. Released with additional bottle age from Yalumba’s Museum Collection, this wine showcases the evolution of one of Australia’s most iconic Shiraz labels. Named after the small 100-litre oak octaves crafted in Yalumba’s own cooperage, The Octavius is renowned for combining power, complexity and remarkable longevity.
On the palate, it is richly layered and beautifully integrated, with flavours of blackberry, black cherry and dark plum complemented by notes of dark chocolate, cedar, liquorice, dried herbs and warm spice. Extended bottle ageing has introduced savoury nuances of leather, tobacco leaf and earth, while fine-grained tannins provide structure and elegance. The wine remains vibrant and balanced, finishing long and persistent with exceptional depth and complexity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding opportunity to experience a mature release of one of Australia’s benchmark Shiraz wines. The additional bottle age has allowed the wine to develop greater harmony and savoury detail while retaining the concentration and structure that define The Octavius. Drinking beautifully now with decanting, it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 10–15 years. Pair with slow-roasted lamb shoulder, beef short ribs, venison, grilled rib-eye steak or aged hard cheeses.
