Tasting Notes
This is Syrah in the Ochota Barrels idiom—bright, lifted and wildly expressive rather than heavy or brooding. Aromas of dark cherry, mulberry and blueberry mesh with violet, cracked pepper, smoked herbs and a graphite edge. The palate is supple and energetic, with juicy dark fruit framed by silky tannins and a fine line of acidity, finishing with savoury spice and a touch of earth. It’s a Syrah of vibrancy and texture, capturing both the cool-climate elegance of the Adelaide Hills and the free-spirited style that defines the estate. - Chris L
Ochota Barrels is a cult winery in the Adelaide Hills founded in 2000s by Taras and Amber Ochota, after years spent travelling the world making wine and surfing. Taras, who sadly passed away in 2020, became renowned for his intuitive, minimalist approach, producing small-batch wines that captured both the raw energy of their sites and a distinctive sense of personality.
The estate focuses on old-vine Grenache from the McLaren Vale and Barossa, alongside cool-climate Pinot Noir, Syrah and unusual bottlings from the Adelaide Hills. Vineyards are farmed sustainably, with an emphasis on balance in the vineyard, low yields, and harvesting earlier to preserve natural acidity and freshness. In the cellar, Ochota Barrels is known for its natural philosophy: spontaneous ferments, whole-bunch inclusion, minimal sulphur, and old oak élevage, resulting in wines that are textural, vibrant and often a little wild.
Since Taras’s passing, Amber has continued to guide Ochota Barrels, preserving the spirit of experimentation and authenticity that made the wines so beloved. Today, Ochota Barrels stands as one of Australia’s most influential small producers, celebrated for expressive, boundary-pushing wines that retain honesty, drinkability and a deep sense of place.
| Product Type | Wine Red Shiraz |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Australia |
| Region | South Australia |
| Sub Region | Adelaide Hills |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Minimal Intervention |