2022 Murdoch Hill Chardonnay

WINEMAKER: Michael Downer
REGION: Adelaide Hills, SA
VARIETAL: Chardonnay
VITICULTURE: Organic/Sustainable

This pristine Adelaide Hills Chardonnay is drawn from sustainably managed vines with an average age of 20-plus years, rooted in high-elevation sites in Oakbank, Lenswood, Lobethal and Piccadilly Valley. The fruit was handpicked and whole-bunch-pressed with wild barrel ferment and maturation in both puncheons and barriques for 10 months (approx. 20% new).

2022 was an exceptional vintage for the Hills, delivering great depth and flavour whilst retaining excellent natural acidity, giving rise to this mouth-wateringly incisive and textured bottling. The wine displays plenty of that Murdoch Hill elegance and finesse, with subtle complexity from barrel fermentation adding to the silky flow of ripe stone fruit, white flowers and complex citrus character. Finishing with a lovely mineral snap, it’s a superb release from one of the country’s great Chardonnay makers.