This vintage has assertive mocha and roasted coffee. The oak influence is considerable,but the wine carries it with aplomb. The palate is nicely focused with solid, ribbon-like tannins and bold fruit presence. Flavors of redder fruit with plenty of spices and black cherries. Terrific balance and persistence. Drinking well now. It should develop savory meatiness if you hold it until 2030.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2012 The Octavius (Shiraz Old Vine) delivers intense notes of pure black cherries and crushed blackberries with suggestions of baking spices, Sichuan pepper and menthol. Medium-bodied, firm and taut in the mouth, it is still very youthful, with firm yet ripe, rounded tannins and a refreshing finish. While it is delicious right now, it would be a shame to open it at this primary stage. Give it another 4-5 years in cellar and drink it over the next twenty.

Polished and refined, with raspberry coulis and ripe plum flavors and details of black tea, cardamom, cedar and dark chocolate that are rich and harmonious, with plenty of structure and a velvety texture.

This is a rich, powerful wine, but it’s a poised and balanced one as well. While it doesn’t succeed quite as well as the 2013, it nevertheless shows attractive notes of ripe blackberry, plum, licorice, violets and oak spice, with a herb and black pepper spine. The silky-textured palate is full and concentrated but avoids being jammy. Tannins are soft but structured with a savory finish.