Ranked #16 of 21 1999 Shiraz from Barossa Valley
90/100
4 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep colour with a tinge of brick-red, seemingly more developed than the '98 or '97. The nose is very earthy, dusty, savoury, somewhat muffled and lacking freshness. The tannins are winning the race; it's very firm and dry, with plenty of flavour, but lacks the detail of some earlier vintages. Quite chewy on the finish and aftertaste. A bit plain and bolshie. (58% Eden Valley)
Tasted: 25/05/2016
Drink: 2016 to 2022
96 Points Robert Parker
Made from 100% Shiraz, the massive, full-bodied 1999 Octavius continues the succession of profound efforts from Yalumba. Tremendously rich, intense, and multidimensional, it offers up notes of blackberries, sweet smoke, and melted asphalt. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. August, 2003
94 Points James Halliday
Highly scented, rich, oaky style but with abundant blackberry fruit to carry the oak. Drink to 2018.
Source: James Halliday. October, 2003
"Made from 100% Shiraz, the massive, full-bodied 1999 Octavius continues the succession of profound efforts from Yalumba. Tremendously rich, intense, and multidimensional, it offers up notes of blackberries, sweet smoke, and melted asphalt. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 148 August 2003