Murdoch Hill Chardonnay 2023
Wines taste best when shared with friends!
Following four finals appearances, two Winemakers’ Choice awards, and winning the top prize, it seems Michael Downer may be one of the most lauded producers by the Young Gun of Wine Awards.
This pristine Adelaide Hills Chardonnay is drawn from vines with an average age of 20-plus years, rooted in high-elevation sites in Oakbank, Lobethal and Piccadilly Valley. 2021's yields were low enough to contribute drive and an impressive core of fruit to the wine, but thankfully not small enough to severely impact volumes. The mild vintage allowed for early and elongated flavour development--harvested at a cool 12.5%, there was great retention of acidity. The fruit was hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed with wild barrel ferment and maturation in both puncheons and barriques for 10 months (approx. 15% new).
A superbly expressive release, there's a riot of stone fruits, citrus and minerality with a lot of pithy concentration and considerable depth. A hint of salinity and well-integrated phenolic grip round out the layers in what is an impressively multifaceted wine considering the price. A top Chardonnay, in great form.
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