Ranked #5 of 17 1997 Shiraz from Barossa Valley
92/100
4 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep, dark red colour with no tawny tinges, the bouquet red fruited, dusty, earthy and toasty nutty from oak. The palate is very intense, focused, taut and powerful, with a more sinewy structure, less rich and expansive but powerful, deep, with masses of tannins which coat the mouth, and leave the mouth fresh and cleansed. Impressive wine. Very long indeed. Can see Eden Valley acidity in this. A real surprise for the vintage
Tasted: 25/05/2016
Drink: 2016 to 2021
91 Points Robert Parker
The dense purple-colored 1997 Shiraz Octavius reveals a classic Barossa Shiraz perfume of creamy oak intermixed with blackberry liqueur, pepper, and meat. Opulent, full-bodied, fleshy, and chewy, this youthful 1997 is soft enough to be drunk, but should be at its peak between 2005-2015.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. October, 2002
89 Points James Halliday
Medium to full red-purple; as ever, powerful American oak makes a major impact on both bouquet and palate. On the other side of the forest, dense and powerful dark cherry/small black fruits show their strength, the two parts united by tannins. A meal in itself. Drink to 2017.
Source: James Halliday. February, 2001
"The dense purple-colored 1997 Shiraz Octavius reveals a classic Barossa Shiraz perfume of creamy oak intermixed with blackberry liqueur, pepper, and meat. Opulent, full-bodied, fleshy, and chewy, this youthful 1997 is soft enough to be drunk, but should be at its peak between 2005-2015."
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 143 Oct 2002