The Wine Animal Verdict: This Shiraz is a creature of captivating complexity and harmonious power, a "Little Wine" that continues to impress with its multi-vintage depth and vibrant character. It's not a straightforward roar, but a nuanced and evolving song, offering a fascinating exploration of the Barossa Valley through the lens of multiple seasons and treasured old vines. Expect a wine that is both immediately engaging and rewards contemplation.
What's in the Cage: Sami-Odi's "Little Wine" #14 is a non-vintage Shiraz crafted by Fraser McKinley, a blend of casks from ten consecutive vintages: 2024 (37%), 2023 (32%), 2022 (12%), 2021 (8%), 2020 (4%), 2019 (3%), 2018 (1%), 2017 (2%), and a combined 1% from 2016 and 2015. The fruit hails from five cherished plots within the Hoffmann's "Dallwitz" vineyard, featuring vines with plantings dating back to 1996, 1995, 1994, 1927, and the oldest pre-1912 sections. This intricate blend of young and old vine fruit across a decade of vintages aims to capture the essence of this significant Barossa site. Winemaking follows a minimal intervention philosophy, including whole cluster fermentation, foot pigeage, and aging in Burgundian pièces without racking or clarification until final blending.
Tasting Notes:
On the prowl, the nose is expressive and layered:
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Deep and Complex Fruit: Expect aromas of dark Doris plum, black cherry, boysenberry, and blueberry, with glimpses of raspberry pip.
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Exotic Spice Rack: Deeply cut with exotic spices, turned earth, tapenade, wild strawberry, anise, and chocolate-dipped cherries.
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Subtle Floral Notes: Dried flowers add another layer of aromatic intrigue.
The palate is where this "Little Wine" shows its harmonious nature:
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Plush and Harmonious Fruit: A nice plumpness to the fruit as it expands across the palate, feeling pure and well-integrated.
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Fine Acidity and Tannins: The interplay of fine acidity and tight, fine, sandy tannins catches the attention and creates a sense of wonder.
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Detailed and Fresh: The wine is detailed and fresh, showcasing the vibrancy of the younger vintages alongside the depth of the older components.
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Long and Intriguing Finish: The finish is persistent, revealing the complex interplay of fruit, spice, and subtle earthy notes.
Who's it For: This Shiraz is for the curious and discerning wine lover who appreciates a unique and thoughtfully crafted expression of the Barossa. It appeals to those who enjoy wines with both immediate approachability and underlying complexity, and who are fascinated by the art of multi-vintage blending.
Pairing Power: This versatile Shiraz pairs well with:
- Roasted and grilled red meats.
- Dishes with rich, savory flavors.
- Game.
- Hearty vegetarian dishes.
The Bottom Line: Sami-Odi's MV Shiraz "Little Wine" #14 is a captivating and delicious wine that beautifully illustrates the potential of multi-vintage blending to create a complex and harmonious expression of a single, significant vineyard. It offers a wonderful balance of fresh fruit, intriguing spice, and refined structure, making it a standout Shiraz that is both immediately enjoyable and rewards deeper exploration.
