2025 Ochota Barrels 'Where's the Pope?' Syrah

'Where’s the Pope?' is Ochota Barrels’ light-footed, high-energy expression of Syrah, sourced from the Onkaparinga Hills in McLaren Vale. The vineyard was planted in 1996 on schist and clay soils, giving the wine a savoury, stony frame rather than simple fruit sweetness. In 2025, the fruit was picked early, resulting in a remarkably fresh, low-alcohol Syrah. 

The wine is made with a gentle, low-intervention approach: partial whole bunch, short skin contact, indigenous fermentation, and ageing in seasoned French oak. The result is not a dense Australian Shiraz, but something brighter, silkier, and more nervously aromatic.

In the glass, it shows a vivid ruby colour. The nose is lifted and savoury, with red cherry, raspberry, black olive, cracked pepper, crushed leaves, sweet herbs, anise, and a rocky mineral edge. On the palate, it is light, juicy, and electric, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, peppery finish.

This is Syrah in the Ochota register: feather-light but full of flavour, more about perfume, tension, and drinkability than weight or extraction.

Perfect slightly chilled with charcuterie, roast lamb, grilled pork, mushrooms, spiced vegetables, pizza, and casual shared plates.

Serve: 12–14 °C
Drink: 2025–2029