Murdoch Hill Phaeton Pinot Noir 2021

Murdoch Hill Phaeton Pinot Noir is a Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills.

Two Piccadilly Valley vineyards supply the 2021, both planted to Dijon clones 114 and 115. The first sits at 520 metres outside the township of Piccadilly, below Mount Lofty, facing east, and gives delicacy and pure red fruit. The second, also east-facing but at Ashton, clings to a steep slope at 560 metres on thin sandstone and hard ground, bringing forest-floor depth and, with natural crops low, structure and length. Altitude stretched ripening out nicely across the season. Michael Downer kept the parcels apart, each with a share of whole berries and 50 per cent whole bunches, fermented in steel, then nine months mostly in puncheon and demi-muid at around 35 per cent new.

Pretty and savoury at once, with red cherry, forest floor and a twist of spice. Silky in the middle, fine in acid, the tannins gripping lightly. Serve cool, 14 degrees, with duck, roast beetroot or a mushroom and thyme 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.