2025 Murdoch Hill Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills

The 2025 Chardonnay is saline and pure, showing none of the seductive reduction that is present in the top cuvées, though I must say, I like the fact that there is stylistic diversity within the one portfolio. This is delicate and unfettered, showing an elegance and limpidity that I find most attractive. It is warmly recommended. Drink to 2032.

93 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, June 2026

This is a contemporary Adelaide Hills Chardonnay with notes of white peaches and citrus and a fine line of acidity.

The fruit was sourced from vineyards in Oakbank, Lenswood, Lobethal and the Piccadilly Valley. All fruit was hand-picked and kept in cold storage at two degrees for several days before it was whole bunch and whole berry pressed straight to barrel with a mix of oak barriques, puncheons and foudre, with overall a quarter being new. The juice was fermented with indigenous yeasts and allowed partial malolactic fermentation and measured lees stirring.

About this producer

The Downer family has farmed in the Adelaide Hills since 1939. Today, third generation brothers Michael, Andrew and Henry are looking after their two Murdoch Hill vineyards, the 20-hectare Oakbank site planted in 1998 and the more recently acquired 8.5-hectare Lenswood site planted in 1989. Additional fruit is sourced from likeminded growers across cooler parts of the region.

Michael Downer has been the winemaker since 2012 and is widely recognised especially for his deft touch with Chardonnay.