2025 Ochota Barrels A Forest Pinot Noir

Amber Ochota is passionate about Pinot, and this is another excellent release of 'A Forest'.

Sourced from Sam Virgara’s Piccadilly plantings and the 'Taras' block - farmed by their good mate Laurence Scanlon - it’s a Pinot that feels deeply connected to the local community.

The winemaking is all about staying out of the way. Amber ferments the fruit in micro-batches before basket pressing it to seasoned French oak. It creates a wine that is savoury and complex rather than just fruity.

In the glass, it lives up to the "forest" vibe with notes of undergrowth, crushed petals and damson fruit. There is a real rustic edge here - think peaty, meaty elements mixed with tarry red currants and a distinct medicinal twang. It’s taut and compact right now but evolves massively with air, so don't be afraid to decant it or even drink it over a couple of days.

94 points
"This is an exceptionally vibrant and juicy expression of Hills pinot... It's not in the realm of 'just a glass' so proceed with caution."
- Katrina Butler (Halliday Wine Companion)