Name: Murdoch Hill Syrah 2022
SKU: 9700
Availability: InStock

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!

About this wine from the winemakers: “Crafted from our Estate vineyard, it’s a delightful, medium-bodied wine. It reveals notes of plum and vanilla. Underpinned by vibrant cranberry acidity, with a touch of slate-like tannins. The finish is beautifully juicy and elegant. Very easy to enjoy.”

The Murdoch Hill vineyard situated in the cool climate Adelaide Hills near the township of Oakbank, in an undulating valley 420m in elevation. The Cronberry block is a predominately east-facing slope producing Shiraz of more finesse by avoiding the harsh afternoon sun. The soil structure is predominately sandy loam over medium clay subsoil’s, with varying levels of ironstone, quartz and schist rock.

2022 vintage, starting with good sub soil moisture from a wet winter, spring experienced regular rain events that dried off in December, poor flowering conditions resulted in very low yields giving excellent concentration. A refresh in January with 42.5mm of rain for the month was welcomed, this was followed by very mild cool conditions in February and March. The cool and slow ripening period has resulted in exceptional acid retention and complex flavour development.

The Grapes are hand picked and de-stemmed into open fermenters with varying levels of whole bunches. Gentle pump over’s and plunging used to retain freshness. After a period of extended maceration on skins the wine was then pressed and matured in a combination of new (25% New) and older French oak barriques and puncheons for 10 months before bottling.

A typical cool climate Shiraz with fragrant perfumed red fruits, pepper and spice notes. The palate shows succulent red fruits of raspberries and cherries, a medium smooth bodied wine that is supported well with quality French Oak. The tannins are fine and savory with lingering flavors of red fruits and spice, a gentle but persistent wine.

93 points, Campbell Mattinson, Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion “This is the perfect young syrah to drink, courtesy of the fact that it serves up fleshy fruit so generously but then splays it with nut, pepper and woodsy spice notes. It offers sweet fruit, spiciness and savouriness all in one. It combines all this with svelte texture and finishes things off with a hit of anise. Yes, please.”

91 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front “A clear, red fruited, woody spiced, savoury-twiggy and game-meat laden red of just on medium weight. A sheath of lacy tannin, a blood orange and amaro squirt of brisk tang to close, the wine between go and whoa is long and detailed with spice, fruit, savoury elements and generally feels fancy enough and good. It ticks all the dictionary definition boxes of ‘syrah’, per se, and delivers easy, simple pleasure.”

RRP $40 Our Special Price $31.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.