Yalumba The Octavius

XI Edition '00
Barossa
[Around £40, Harrods, Veritas, Fine & Rare, Jeroboams, Vin du Van]

THIS RIPE, succulent and very deep coloured Australian delivers generous, intense fruit and a good sturdy mouthfeel. Almost like a new generation St. Joseph.

Use of naturally occuring wild yeasts shows very assured winemaking. Very good indeed.

The name comes from the very small (90 litres), Yalumba-coopered, Yalumba-seasoned (eight years) American oak octaves. Not gaudily oaky, however, but civilised, organised and multi-layered.

Needs protein, good with spring lamb chops (roasted).