Murdoch Hill Chardonnay 2023

Murdoch Hill Chardonnay is an estate-led Adelaide Hills Chardonnay.

Half the 2023 blend comes off the top block at Oakbank, 420 metres up and planted to Bernard clones. Lenswood, 8.5 hectares acquired not long ago, supplies another 30 per cent and brings a broader, more generous fruit profile. Lobethal and Piccadilly Valley growers, long-standing partners of Michael Downer's, fill the rest, and their high-altitude material pulls the blend tighter. Cool, mild weather pushed picking around two weeks past the ten-year average. Oakbank fruit was destemmed, the remainder pressed as whole bunches; wild barrel ferments ran ten months in puncheon and barrique, a portion through malolactic, lees kept and some barrels stirred.

Nectarine and lemon curd over a saline, mineral base, with gentle nutty complexity from lees. The acid line is long and mouth-watering. Best around 11 degrees. Try it with roast chicken, grilled whiting or a creamy leek tart.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.