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 & 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 and finalist again in 2016. Very compelling getting vote of approval from his peers!
Newly released gorgeous Adelaide Hills offering ( Pinot Meunier 60% & Pinot Noir 40%) from vineyards in the Piccadilly Valley & Oakbank. Plenty of fine Pinot Meunier parcels around Piccadilly Valley thanks to sparkling pioneers of 80s & 90s but rarely utilized for dry table wine. Michael Downer was inspired by Pinot Meunier when working at Bests, Great Western (dry red table wine made for more than 20 vintages and still retains its acidity after 25 years in bottle). He selected Meunier from the more delicate prettier Oakbank vineyard and the Pinot Noir from a very cool South facing Pinot Noir block in the higher parts of the Piccadilly Valley producing Pinot Noir with high natural acid and exotic spices. These two batches were fermented separately with high percentage of whole bunches, wild yeast fermentation and gentle extraction to produce two very delicate styles of wine. The Pinot Meunier brings bright red fruits with a generous up front fruit to the party whereas the Pinot Noir provides exotic spices, fine acid line with stalky firm tannins. Each parcel matured in old French barriques for 5 months before blending bottling with no fining or filtration. 13% Alc 3 months in bottle before release to be enjoyed young and fresh over the warmer months. This ‘Ridley’ embodies deliciousness with gorgeous fragrance and flavour of raspberry, strawberry, black fruits, cinnamon, campari with gamey roast meat. Hail the Hills!! Don’t hesitate here with the ultimate summer red we reckon ! Be quick these wines from this cult producer don’t hang around long!
For the 2015 .. 94 points James Halliday 2017 Australian Wine Companion “…One of a handful of such wines in Australia. A surprise packet here for quality and rarity.”
Special 6 Pack Buy!
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