Murdoch Hill Tilbury Chardonnay 2021

Murdoch Hill Tilbury Chardonnay is an Adelaide Hills Chardonnay from Piccadilly Valley and Lobethal fruit.

Two Piccadilly Valley vineyards supply two-thirds of the 2021, with Lobethal providing the rest. That Lobethal site sits near 500 metres on ironstone-heavy ground and gives flinty, driven fruit, while the Piccadilly soils are more varied, mixing sandstone, sandy loam and ironstone. Bunches were harvested by hand and pressed whole into puncheon, demi-muid and a few barriques for a wild ferment and nine months' maturation with only 15 per cent new wood. Early flavour development and strong acidity meant Michael Downer could let the wine run through a full malolactic to smooth its edges. It went unsulphured until late spring, with lees stirred over winter.

Flint and lemon pith first, then white peach and a creamy lees note. Driven and long, the acid carrying it well past the finish. Serve at 12 degrees with roast chicken, grilled scallops or a leek and gruyère 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.