2024 Ochota Barrels x Gentle Folk Fathers Milk Pinot Noir Gamay

This wine had always been a special collaboration between two of Basket Range's favourites, Ochota Barrels and Gentle Folk.

Originally dreamed up by Taras Ochota and Gareth Belton, the 'Fathers Milk' is kept alive today by Amber Ochota and Taras' father Ari with Gareth, continuing the ritual of making great wine over a long lunch. It is a 50/50 split of Gamay and Pinot Noir, born from a tiny harvest in the Adelaide Hills where these were the last two vineyards picked.

The fruit comes from two high-altitude sites - Sam Virgara’s Gamay block in Piccadilly and the Monomeith Pinot Noir vineyard in Ashton. It was all tipped into an open fermenter as 100% whole bunches and foot-stomped by the kids. After two weeks of daily stomping (and tasting), it was basket pressed to just two neutral French oak barrels where it rested for 13 months.

The cool 2024 vintage has given it a distinct amaro-like spice to go with the soft red fruit profile. It's light, juicy and carries with surprising grip and structure. With only 880 bottles produced, it is a rare bird.