Description
Murdoch Hill vineyard is in the undulating hills of Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills. Planted by the Downer family in ’98 but the excitement began in 2012 when Michael (family’s youngest) took over the reins after working at esteemed wineries: Vietti in Piedmont; Bests in Great Western (initiated his Pinot Meunier fascination) & Shaw & Smith. He brought winemaking in house to have absolute control (previously outsourced to neighbouring winery) and adopted minimal intervention including wild yeasts, whole bunch ferments, extended skin contact, older wood maturation, no fining, filtration and minimal sulphur. He introduced the Artisan range of single parcel high altitude offerings sourcing fruit from vines in Lobethal, Basket Range and Uraidla high in the Piccadilly Valley …. juicy, vibrant wines that highlight the detail and freshness of each site.
Downer was a Young Guns of Wine finalist in 2014, joint winner of the ‘Winemaker’s Choice’ in 2015, finalist again in 2016 and winner in 2017! In the same year he was awarded Young Winemaker of the Year by Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine! Very compelling getting vote of approval from his peers!
“Murdoch Hill is a serious ultra-quality player in Australian wine. Take note.” Campbell Mattinson, Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries 2023
“Michael really knows what he’s doing both in the cellar and in the vineyard. He has proven his credentials over and over again…” Halliday Wine Companion, Winemaker of the Year Finalists 2024
After a few low-yielding years in Piccadilly Valley, Michael Downer cast his sourcing net a bit wider for Pinot Noir in 2024. He settled on a well-established site in Forreston in the northern sector of the Adelaide Hills. The organically managed vineyard sits just north of the Gumeracha township at 450 metres with northwest-facing slopes. The MV6 Pinot Noir, which makes up 55% of this year’s blend, comes from a ridge with lean soils, and Michael tells us the fruit has lovely purity and supple structure. The rest of the fruit comes from Murdoch Hill’s estate vineyard in Lenswood (30%) and the usual, high-elevation Piccadilly sources. The Lenswood site delivered spice-driven, weighty, deeply flavoured fruit balanced nicely by the cool, fresh, elegant structure of the Piccadilly stock.
Fermentation took place in small open-top fermenters with just a small portion of whole bunches (less than 10%). In response to the cooler conditions of the last few years, Downer has decreased the bunch component, explaining the Lenswood fruit already brings sufficient spice and structure. Maturation occurred in barriques and puncheons for seven months (22% new). The higher sunshine hours in 2024 have delivered a deeper-coloured wine with more power and drive than its predecessor. It’s perfumed and spicy with wild red berry fruits and mouthwatering earthy depth aligned to silky texture, crisp acidity and elegant, fine-boned tannins. Seriously good Pinot.
From the winemaker: “Bright ruby red, revealing delicate aromas of fresh red cherries, wild strawberries, raspberries, and subtle earthy undertones with hints of dried herbs and spice. On the palate, juicy red fruit flavors of cherry and cranberry are balanced by a savory edge of forest floor and herbs, with lively acidity adding a crisp, refreshing quality. Fine-grained tannins provide a silky texture, while a touch of oak enhances the wine’s complexity without overpowering the fruit. The finish is long and elegant, leaving lingering notes of red fruit and spice, making it a beautifully balanced wine that pairs well with roasted poultry, duck, or mushroom risotto.”
RRP $42 Our Special Price $32.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
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