First released in 1991, Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine is now a benchmark of Australian

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• Publié par: Kunum
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• Langue: English

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Announcement 27 July 2005 YALUMBA THE OCTAVIUS JOINS LANGTON’S CLASSIFICATION IV

ACCOMPANYING AUSTRALIA’S TOP 101 COLLECTABLE WINES

The fourth Langton’s classification announced today sees the inclusion of Yalumba The Octavius for the first time, ranked as ‘Outstanding’. “This announcement has confirmed the evolution of ‘The Octavius’ from an idea, through trial, error and learning to an individual interpretation of extraordinary Old Vine Barossa Shiraz”,says Robert Hill Smith, Yalumba Proprietor. “The development of ‘The Octavius’ has been a rewarding, continuous journey and one which now has additional challenges and responsibilities”. Since the late 1980s, Langton’s Fine Wine Auctions has been instrumental in the development of the fine wine market within Australia.With two main markets – Auctions and Exchange – Langton’s is Australia’s leading fine wine auction house. Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine was first released in 1991 and is now a benchmark of Australian wine investment. The Classification is a ranking of Australia’s best performing wines based on market demand, both in-store and also on the secondary market. These are Australia’s blue-chip investment wines. The Classification comprises of four categories – Exceptional, Outstanding, Excellent and Distinguished. It works on the simple elements of track record and reputation, both of which are measured through auction market presence, consistency, volume of demand and price realisations. Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine has achieved recognition because the criteria for inclusion is market-driven and the Classification is regularly revised and updated, so it’s relevant. The fourth edition of the Classification, released today, “is an all round list which captures the heart of the contemporary secondary wine market”, says Andrew Caillard MW, from Langton’s.“These ultra-fine wines have a reputation for evoking the spirit of the Australian landscape, the nuances of each season, the intellect of the winemaker and his or her emotional connection with the vineyard.” Each wine classified represents collectable, sought-after wines which have an established reputation of high quality and individuality.A wine must have 12 vintages made or ten vintages released to be considered for the Classification. The2001 vintage release of Yalumba The Octavius celebrates its eleventh release. “Wine style and philosophy of ‘The Octavius’ have evolved significantly since the first experimental vintage in 1988, which incidentally was a Cabernet Sauvignon. Vintages since 1996 show spectacular progress with stronger regional definition, less obvious new oak and are more complete wines”,says Brian Walsh, Yalumba’s Director of Winemaking. “The 1993 is still one of my personal favourites, well reflecting its vintage and terroir”,adds Walsh. Yalumba The Octavius Old Vine Shiraz is made from a selection of aged Shiraz vineyards scattered across the Barossa. Most were planted as bush vines between the turn of the century and WWII, with the oldest vineyard planted in 1901.

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The wine combines the perfumed and pure fruit aromas of Eden Valley and the concentration, texture and ripeness of Barossa Valley Shiraz.Only the best parcels of Shiraz from these vineyards are selected each vintage for the final blend of ‘The Octavius’. The incarnation of the ‘Octave’ was very much an experiment - when as a Coonawarra Cabernet - it was the first red wine to have been matured in specially made Octaves by the Yalumba coopers. The name ‘Octave’ was coined by early coopers to describe a barrel an eighth of the size of a standard cask. “This is a remarkable individual; a generous and long living Barossa Shiraz, showing a strong stamp of place and house style”, explains Walsh. “Not many wineries in the world have the privilege of making their own barrels and none to my knowledge would be game to use octaves - as we do.We are committed to carving out a stylistic niche, but more importantly are obsessed with crafting great wines.” “The recognition of ‘The Octavius’ at this elite level in the Australian wine scene is gratifying and humbling, but most importantly is a terrific pat on the back for all the hardworking people from every corner of our company, who have contributed to this result.” “We are now inspired to work even harder at finessing and enhancing ‘The Octavius’”, commits Walsh. st Yalumba The Octavius 2001, released on 1July 2005, is a concentrated, dense plum-purple colour.A pristine Shiraz, slightly restrained but very true to ‘The Octavius’ style, with aromas of violets, forest fruits, warm spices, rich plums and even a slight funky edge with hints of dense chocolatey smokey oak. The palate is full bodied with real concentration and length. Mulberry, violets, plum and cherry fruits integrate with lashings of assertive tannins, surrounding an almost creamy mid palate. A stylish wine, built to last. Recent evaluations of Yalumba The Octavius:as at December 2004 Andrew Caillard Vintage YalumbaRobert Parker Jnr. (Langton's) 1988 80points 17/ 20 1990 89points 18/ 20 1992 88points 18/ 20 1993 86points 19/ 20 1994 90points 18/ 20 1995 85points 16.5/ 20 1996 95points 19/ 20 1997 88points 16.5/ 20 1998 93points 19/ 2097 points 1999 98points 18/ 2096 points 2000 90points 17.5/ 2090 points 2001 93points 18.5/ 2098 points 2002 96points 19/ 20 For further information please contact: Anna Gillman  Tel:[phone] | e-mail:[e-mail] Orwww.langtons.com.au  2