2025 Ochota Barrels 'Mark of Cain' Pinot Meunier

'The Mark of Cain' is Ochota Barrels’ high-toned Pinot Meunier, named after the Australian punk band and carrying the same restless, energetic spirit. The fruit comes from Sam Vigara’s Uva Vineyard in Piccadilly, one of the oldest Pinot Meunier sites in the Adelaide Hills, planted in 1985 on quartz and ironstone-riddled clay loam. The 2025 is fermented with indigenous yeasts, includes 20% whole bunch, spends around 10 days on skins, and ages for four months in old French barriques before bottling without fining or filtration.

In the glass, it shows a bright ruby-red colour. The nose is vivid and playful, with cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb, pink florals, fennel seed, almond meal, and a faint earthy-savoury edge. On the palate, it is mid-weight, crunchy, and electric, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a juicy red-fruited finish full of clarity and lift.

This is Pinot Meunier with attitude — floral, bright, slightly chaotic, but beautifully controlled.

Perfect slightly chilled with charcuterie, roast chicken, pork, duck, mushrooms, pizza, and casual shared plates.

Serve: 12–14 °C
Drink: 2025–2030