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!
The 2020 hails from estate-grown fruit from an east-facing block planted in 1998 (where organic practices are employed). The fruit was fermented wild in open-top fermenters with a 15% whole-bunch inclusion lending an impressive aromatic lift. Maturation took place mainly in old barriques with a small portion (15%) in new—Michael Downer is seeking complexity from fruit rather than oak.
At a comparatively low 13% alcohol, Downer explains 2019 has ticked all the boxes: fresh fruit, tension, and bright acidity as well as firmer tannins than some previous releases. It has broody yet bright fruit notes cut with tapenade and spice, flowing to a juicy and long finish. Like “Pinot on steroids”. Once more, this is a great wine for the money.
91 points, James Suckling “This strikingly herbal Adelaide Hills syrah is the opposite of what the world associates with Australian wine. Think fresh rosemary and thyme plus some dried sage. Medium-bodied and very crisp for an Australian red, but the tannins are gentle and fit the lively acidity very neatly. Refreshing, but not tart, finish. Drink now. Screw cap.”
92 points, Jeni Port for Halliday Wine Companion “Laced with lively spice and gifted a medium-bodied elegance, it’s easy to see why the maker chose to describe this wine as syrah rather than shiraz. Still, it’s not shy. Good depth of spicy, fragrant aromas here with earth, bracken, black berries, violet and a touch of white pepper. The palate is built on a core of solid fruit and spice with a dusting of cocoa powder, smoky oak, held in place by supple tannin. Top wine for the price.”
RRP $32 Our Special Price $26.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
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