2024 Ochota Barrels A Forest Pinot Noir
WINEMAKER: Amber Ochota
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VARIETY: Pinot Noir
VITICULTURE: Organic
Sourced primarily from Sam Virgara’s vineyards in the Piccadilly Valley, but for the first time also including a parcel of fruit from the Scanlon family vineyard. Harry Scanlon worked for Ochota Barrels a few years back and this site is now known as the Taras Vineyard.
Open top fermented in micro batches, gently hand-plunged and whispered to seasoned barriques and puncheons. No additions beside minimal so2.
A strikingly floral nose of crushed petals and stems sets the framework. Garrigue and nordic forest undergrowth abuts damson, pain d’epice and a subtle peatiness into a convincing show of rusticity. A delicate sappiness with a taut, yet compact and textural palate. Tarry red currants and slightly meaty components enfold long with a savoury and at times medicinal egress.
As with the spring release wines which sold out months ago, this set of wines was a indulgence of time. Given the early start and finish of harvest (the last parcels were pressed before the end of March) Amber, Lucas and Yari had extra time in the cellar to really learn where each barrel of wine was heading.
In Amber’s own words she had, “the luxury of time and peace to taste through the barrels over and over to make considered, relaxed decisions”. This is reflected in the wines, their ease and immediate drinkability, wanting warm sunny park-filled afternoons and fine dining dinners.