The Wine Animal Verdict: This Shiraz is a creature of youthful exuberance and intriguing complexity, a "Little Wine" that belies its name with a vibrant and multi-layered character. It's not a ponderous beast, but a nimble and expressive one, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diverse tapestry of the Barossa Valley through a multi-vintage lens. Expect a wine that is both immediately appealing and subtly profound.
What's in the Cage: The Sami-Odi "Little Wine" is a unique non-vintage Shiraz from Fraser McKinley, crafted as an assemblage of multiple vintages. "MV" stands for Multi-Vintage. Little Wine #12 is composed of casks from eight consecutive seasons: 2022 (49%), 2021 (23%), 2020 (11%), 2019 (8%), 2018 (1%), 2017 (4%), 2016 (2%), and 2015 (2%). The fruit is sourced from six treasured plots within the Hoffmann's "Dallwitz" vineyard, featuring vines planted in 1996, 1995, 1994, 1960, 1927, and the oldest vines planted prior to 1912. This blend of young and old vine fruit across various vintages aims to capture a holistic expression of the vineyard and the Barossa. Winemaking emphasizes minimal intervention, with whole cluster fermentation, foot pigeage, and aging in Burgundian pièces without racking or clarification until assembly.
Tasting Notes:
On the prowl, the nose is lifted and complex:
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Bright Red and Dark Fruit: Expect aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry, and plum, alongside darker notes of blackberry and a hint of kirsch.
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Warming Spice Rack: Notes of roasted herbs, woody spices, and a touch of anise add aromatic intrigue.
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Subtle Earthiness: A plush earthen undertone provides a grounding element.
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Integrated Oak: Hints of subtle oak spice will be present, supporting the fruit and spice without dominating.
The palate is where this "Little Wine" shows its surprising depth:
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Tender and Lithe Feel: Despite its complexity, the wine offers a graceful and approachable texture.
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Just-Ripe Fruit Flavors: The fruit profile leans towards freshness and vibrancy rather than overt ripeness.
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Comforting Texture: A plush and inviting mouthfeel makes it immediately enjoyable.
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Fine Tannins: Tannins are round and grippy, providing structure without being aggressive.
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Long and Complex Finish: The finish reveals layers of fruit, spice, and a subtle savory note.
Who's it For: This Shiraz is for the adventurous wine lover who appreciates a unique and thoughtfully crafted expression of the Barossa. It appeals to those who enjoy wines with both immediate appeal and underlying complexity, and who are intrigued by the concept of multi-vintage blending.
Pairing Power: This versatile Shiraz pairs well with:
- Roasted and grilled meats.
- Dishes with Mediterranean herbs and spices.
- Hearty stews.
- Game.
The Bottom Line: The Sami-Odi MV Shiraz "Little Wine" #12 is a fascinating and delicious wine that defies simple categorization. Its multi-vintage composition and focus on expressing the nuances of the Hoffmann's "Dallwitz" vineyard result in a Shiraz that is both approachable and remarkably complex. It's a testament to thoughtful winemaking and a unique vision for Barossa Shiraz.
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