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 and spiced vegetables.

Serve: 12–14 °C
Drink: 2025–2029