2024 Ochota Barrels Fugazi Grenache

WINEMAKER: Amber Ochota
REGION: McLaren Vale, SA
VARIETY: Grenache
VITICULTURE: Organic

This is the first wine Taras and Amber made, back in 2008, when they started Ochota Barrels with a tiny parcel of grenache picked up in the back of the kombi van. Named Fugazi for the band that was playing at the time.

Produced from north-facing 77 year old dry grown bush vines on the Blewitt Springs ridge- from an incredible vineyard on ironstone and gravel infused red clay. Handpicked early March, tiny berries and a miniscule yield. Pressed to seasoned (5-10 year) French barriques for 6 months.

Taut nervous tension of compact red currents and satsuma plums fills the mid-palate with mouth watering red berry intensity. Finely-grained tannins position this svelte, fleshy and measured weight of forest cherries and persimmons into a long succulent and savoury finish. 

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.