Yalumba Shiraz Barossa Valley The Octavius 2001

98 points Robert Parker: "Produced from yields of 1.2 tons of fruit per acre, the 2001 Shiraz Octavius spent 20 months in both French and American oak. A blockbuster, structured Shiraz with oodles of personality/soul, it offers a sumptuous bouquet as well as flavors of chocolate, white flowers, blackberry and cassis liqueur, prunes, figs, roasted meats, and burning embers. This full-bodied, hugely extracted, monster Shiraz has amazing balance and symmetry for its large-scaled style. It needs another 1-3 years of cellaring, and should last for 12-20 years, based on the longevity of some earlier examples. (Oct 2004)"

96 points James Halliday (Wine Companion): "Excellent black cherry and blackberry fruit, bright and still fresh; the oak in relative restraint; supple mouthfeel, flavour without excess alcohol. Closure: Cork. 13.5% alcohol. (10/6/05)"