Country: Australia Region: South Australia Varietal: Shiraz  Vintage: 2015/16 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Yalumba  Description:The Octavius was named after the unique 100-litre ​‘octave’ barrels that are handcrafted on site in our Cooperage and made specially for this wine. The term ​‘octave’ was coined by our early coopers to describe a barrel an eighth the size of a standard barrel. Yalumba The Octavius has established a reputation as one of Australia's icon Shiraz wines, an amazing feat considering the first release was the 1990 vintage. In addition to being sourced from a number of very old vineyards in the Barossa, The Octavius is matured in American oak 'octaves' of 90 litres capacity. It is the only red wine in the world that is matured in such small barrels. The secret of the wine not becoming overpowered by the oak is that the wood is seasoned at Yalumba for eight years before the octaves are crafted. Yalumba is one of a select few wineries in the world who boast their own coopers practising the ancient craft of barrel making. Tasting Note:Very dark, impenetrable, deep black purple red colour. A fine nose of ripe dark fruits, plums, prunes and liquorice, with scents of violets, dark chocolate and espresso flavours. A palate of smooth and silky textures, with inky black berry fruits interwoven. Food Matches: Venison / Beef / Game / Goat Cheese