Ochota Barrels I Am The Owl Syrah Adelaide Hills 2013

This is a whole cluster fermentation that achieves impressive aromatic lift and phenolic refinement. The wine presents a vivid purple hue in the glass. The olfactory profile shows real complexity, layering dark berry fruit with spice cake and pronounced floral notes, while secondary characters of olive tapenade and smoky Indian spice add further intrigue to the aromatic architecture. The palate exhibits impressive textural polish and concentration, with sweet blueberry and violet pastille flavors gaining mineral tension as the wine opens. The structure relies on silky tannins rather than overt extraction, with only a whisper of dustiness on the finish. The wine concludes with persistence and length, maintaining juicy acidity and resonant spice notes throughout. The overall impression is strikingly reminiscent of quality northern Rhône Syrah, displaying the hallmarks of that region's granitic terroir despite its Adelaide Hills provenance.