Sami-Odi is a small winery in the Barossa Valley producing the smallest about of Syrah at the highest quality by winemaker Fraser McKinley. Grapes come from separate selected pots across the Barossa using organic principles and sometimes blending across barrels, sites, and vintages.

This becomes a blend of 2024 (37%), 2023 (32%), 2022 (12%), 2021 (8%), 2020 (4%), 2019 (3%), 2018 (1%), 2017 (2%), 2016 (1%), 2015 (1%). It also has Little Wines #10, #11 and #13 in it, so the trace elements of older vintages come in from that. Blended in September. The 2023 component is a lot of old vine material, as a bolstering element, and somewhat lush and soft, whereas the 2024 is firmer and more structured, so that played a part in thinking here. Date: Jan 2025; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $65; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2025-2036+ Rated: 96 Points; Mike Bennie; The Wine Front

Inky and yet distinct in its purity, like a thick set, muscular potion or nectar, but with a growl of lithe, gravelly tannins, dash of lifting pepper, dried herbs, undergrowth, rhubarb; distinctly dark fruited, somewhat blue-fruited, but has a slinkiness, a drinkability, a kind of elixir-like charm and ease. Liquorice and some charry spice to finish, with a lick of alpine herb. There’s so much on here, layers and layers, and the richness perplexing when you consider the wild drinkability and early enjoyment. Brilliant. Date: Jan 2025; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $65; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2025-2035 Rated: 96 Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front