On September 18, Yalumba will release The Octavius Shiraz Old Vine Shiraz 2018 on the famed Bordeaux negociant network, La Place de Bordeaux, one of only a few wines selected for the platform from outside Bordeaux.
La Place is a centuries-old global distribution system, which initially was exclusively to connect Bordeaux châteaux with global négociants before opening the network to select wines from outside Bordeaux in 1996.
As South Australia has never had phylloxera, Yalumba and the wider Barossa region have some of the most extensive acreage of surviving 19th and early 20th-century vines in the world, from which The Octavius Shiraz is crafted.
Robert Hill-Smith, the fifth-generation proprietor of Yalumba, said The Octavius Shiraz is a testament to the craftsmanship passed down through generations at Yalumba.
“With each vintage, we are not only crafting a wine but also telling a story that reflects our family’s dedication to the land, the vines, and the art of winemaking,” he said.
Named after the traditional 100-litre oak barrels known as octaves, The Octavius Shiraz showcases Yalumba’s dedication to time-honoured winemaking techniques while embracing innovation.
With its own on-site Cooperage, operational since the turn of the 20th century and the only of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, Yalumba winemakers have the ability to take full control of the oak used to craft and age its premium wines.
This limited release showcases the distinctive terroir of Barossa, where the ancient soils and unique microclimate combine to create world-class Shiraz. The Octavius Shiraz is a blend of select parcels from the Barossa’s oldest and most revered vineyards, resulting in a wine of depth, complexity, and elegance.
“We believe that great wine is born in the vineyard,” said Hill-Smith. “The Octavius Shiraz is a reflection of our commitment to sustainable practices and a deep respect for the environment. It is an expression of the land that has nurtured these vines for generations.”
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