Ranked #5 of 25 1998 Shiraz from Barossa Valley
95/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep, dark red colour with a good tint for its age, the bouquet red fruits and mint, a touch of camphor and lots of charm. The palate is intense, full-bodied, powerful and yet more subtle than most early vintages, with good acidity and freshness on the finish. There is still a welter of tannin here but it's not astringent. A very smart wine indeed. Cleansing, refreshing finish with clean acid and tannin. Remarkable and surprising.
Tasted: 25/05/2016
Drink: 2016 to 2024
97 Points Robert Parker
The 1998 Shiraz Octavius is undoubtedly controversial given its volatile acidity. Nevertheless, it is a loaded, intense, rich, classic example of full-throttle and full-bodied old vine Barossa Shiraz. All the Octavius fruit is sourced from vineyards ranging from 70 to 100 years of age.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. August, 2003
91 Points James Halliday
Medium to full red-purple; a highly scented bouquet with a mix of ripe fruit and lashings of new oak, the palate in similar mode exuding massive fruit, oak and tannins. Drink to 2018.
Source: James Halliday. October, 2002
The 1998 Shiraz Octavius is undoubtedly controversial given its volatile acidity. Nevertheless, it is a loaded, intense, rich, classic example of full-throttle and full-bodied old vine Barossa Shiraz. All the Octavius fruit is sourced from vineyards ranging from 70 to 100 years of age. Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) August, 2003 by Robert Parker