$25.99
– Sold Out| /
Region: Adelaide Hills, SA
Grape: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 15% Sangiovese, 5% Syrah
First Glance: Silky, soft spice, savoury
Acclaim: 93 points
Michael Downer took over operations at his family estate in 2012, after having gathered precious experience working for big names in the industry, such as Shaw & Smith, Vietti in Barolo and Best’s Great Western. This reinvigoration of both viticulture and winemaking practices, has put Murdoch Hill firmly back on the radar of top producers in the Hills.
Fruit for this blend is sourced mainly from east-facing slopes, which avoid the harsh afternoon sun and result in more finessed and less overtly ripe wines, and allow for the retention of a savoury element in the wine.
All destemmed fruit received a prolonged maceration, to reabsorb and soften some of the tannins. The wine was matured in French barriques (20% new) for 10 months before bottling.
The review:
93 points, JamesSuckling.com
Aromas of red cherries, ground cooking spice, dried herbs and bark. Medium- to full-bodied with silky, fruit-soaked tannins. Rather expressive and bright with driving acidity and lovely spicy complexity. Lingering and steady. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
