2025 Murdoch Hill Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills

One-third estate fruit, the rest from growers in the Piccadilly Valley and Lenswood regions. MV6, D5V12, 114 and 115 for the clone nerds; 15% whole bunch and 15% new French oak. There's an elegance to this release. A delicate floral perfume awakens the senses first, followed by crunchy red fruit, cherry, cranberry and pomegranate. There's a wildness to it, too, polish and poise, yes, but not too much. A forest forage, you'd say. Add a dusting of dried herbs and a gentle release of orange oil, not unlike a Negroni, and you have one very smart Hills pinot.

94 points Special Value Katrina Butler winecompanion.com.au

High in the cool elevations of the Adelaide Hills, Murdoch Hill has quietly become one of the region’s most respected producers of site driven wines. The Downer family has farmed the land at Oakbank since the 1930s, though the modern wine label was established by Michael Downer, who returned to the family property with a vision to craft expressive wines that reflect the character of the Hills. Michael works with carefully managed vineyards planted across the estate’s slopes, where altitude, cool nights and varied soils provide ideal conditions for Pinot Noir to ripen slowly while retaining freshness and aromatic complexity.

The wine shows a bright ruby red colour with delicate clarity. Aromas open with red cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry layered with rose petal, subtle spice and hints of forest floor. As the wine evolves in the glass gentle notes of dried herbs and tea leaf begin to emerge. The palate is elegant and finely structured with silky tannins carrying flavours of red berries, cranberry and savoury spice. Fresh acidity brings energy and balance, leading to a long refined finish that highlights the cool climate purity of Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir.

The wine will develop further nuance over the next six to eight years and is excellent with roast duck, grilled quail, herb roasted chicken or charcuterie.